If you’re after a refreshing side dish with a kick, try our Sweet and Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad. It’s a perfect mix of cool, crunchy cucumbers and a blend of sweet and spicy flavors that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. With simple ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, it’s both delicious and super easy to make. Whether it’s for a summer BBQ, a quick lunch, or a side for your favorite Asian dishes, this salad is bound to become a new favorite.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 Cucumbers (sliced thin): Fresh cucumbers provide a cool, crisp base for the salad, absorbing the bold flavors of the dressing.
- 1 Red Onion (sliced thin): Adds a slight sweetness and a crunchy texture, balancing the coolness of the cucumbers.
- Salt (to taste): Used to sweat the cucumbers and onions, drawing out excess moisture and enhancing the overall flavor.
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil: Gives the salad a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 Tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami taste while keeping the sodium content lower.
- 2 Tsp Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spicy and savory elements of the dressing.
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar: Offers a mild acidity that brightens up the salad and enhances the flavors.
- 2 Tsp Chili Crisp Sauce: Brings a spicy kick and a bit of crunch to the salad, making it more exciting and flavorful.
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal, enhancing both the texture and presentation of the salad.
Time needed: 20 minutes
- Prepare the Cucumbers and Red Onion:
Thinly slice 2 cucumbers and 1 red onion. Scoop the seeds out with the spoon if necessary. Place the cucumber and red onion slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt to taste and toss to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for 30-45 minutes to sweat and remove excess moisture. - Remove Excess Moisture:
After 30-45 minutes, rinse the cucumbers and onions with cold water to remove the salt. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the cucumber and onion slices, ensuring all excess water is removed. - Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of chili crisp sauce. Whisk together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is well-mixed.
- Combine and Serve:
In a large mixing bowl, add the dried cucumber and onion slices. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the top and give it a final toss. - Chill and Enjoy:
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Sweet and Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use any type of cucumber. However, English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making them perfect for salads.
It’s up to your preference. If you’re using English or Persian cucumbers, the skin is thin and can be left on. For regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them if the skin is thick and waxy.
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to add the dressing shortly before serving.
Yes, you can omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute. The salad will still be delicious, though the balance of sweet and spicy flavors will be slightly different.
CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Carrots: Add julienned or thinly sliced carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced red, yellow, or green bell peppers add sweetness and vibrant color.
- Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide a peppery bite and a nice crunch.
- Edamame: Shelled edamame adds protein and a pop of color.
- Napa Cabbage: Thinly sliced napa cabbage adds bulk and a satisfying crunch.
- Toasted Peanuts: Add chopped toasted peanuts for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Seaweed: Torn pieces of nori or other seaweed add a unique umami flavor.
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds a zingy, aromatic element to the salad.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves provide a burst of freshness and a hint of citrus.
- Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and richness to balance the crispness of the cucumbers.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD?
Sweet and Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is a fantastic side dish that goes well with many main courses. It’s perfect with grilled meats like teriyaki chicken, Korean BBQ beef, or miso-glazed salmon, providing a refreshing and tangy contrast to the savory flavors. For something lighter, you can pair it with sushi rolls or seared tofu. The crisp, bold flavors of the salad also complement stir-fries and noodle dishes, like pad thai or lo mein.
HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVER CUCUMBER SALAD?
To store leftover cucumber salad, first transfer it to an airtight container and then place it in the refrigerator. Ideally, consume the salad within 1-2 days to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor. Over time, the cucumbers may release more water and become slightly soggy; however, the salad will still be delicious. Before serving again, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing. If it seems too watery, you can either drain the excess liquid or add a bit more dressing to refresh the flavors.
LOOKING FOR MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Cool Down with Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe This dish combines crisp cucumbers with a luscious, tangy dressing made with fresh herbs and spices. It’s the perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Kale Apple Slaw Salad: This refreshing medley of crisp kale, sweet apples, and crunchy slaw offers a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Creamy Red Cabbage Slaw with Bacon Salad: This recipe is a symphony of colors and textures, bringing together the robust crunch of kale and red cabbage with the delightful sweetness of dried cranberries and the smoky richness of bacon bits.
Sweet and Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Cucumbers (sliced thin)
- 1 Red Onion (sliced thin)
- Salt (to taste)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 Tsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 Tsp Chili Crisp Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers and Red Onion: Thinly slice 2 cucumbers and 1 red onion. Scoop the seeds out with the spoon if necessary. Place the cucumber and red onion slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt to taste and toss to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for 30-45 minutes to sweat and remove excess moisture.
- Remove Excess Moisture: After 30-45 minutes, rinse the cucumbers and onions with cold water to remove the salt. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the cucumber and onion slices, ensuring all excess water is removed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of chili crisp sauce. Whisk together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is well-mixed.
- Combine and Serve: In a large mixing bowl, add the dried cucumber and onion slices. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the top and give it a final toss.
- Chill and Enjoy: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Sweet and Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad!
