Description
Refreshing Asian cucumber salad delivers crisp, tangy flavors that dance across your palate with zesty herb-infused charm. Cool cucumber slices mingle with punchy sesame and rice vinegar, offering a perfect summer side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian)
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Garnish and Aromatics:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Delicately transform crisp cucumbers into elegant half-moon slices, carefully creating uniform thickness for balanced texture.
- Apply a light sprinkle of salt over cucumber slices, allowing moisture to release for approximately 10 minutes; this technique enhances crunchiness and removes excess water.
- Thoroughly rinse salted cucumbers and gently pat dry using a clean kitchen towel to ensure optimal dressing absorption.
- Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, finely minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes into a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
- Transfer prepared cucumber slices into a spacious mixing bowl, pouring the meticulously crafted dressing over the surface.
- Gently toss the cucumber slices, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Elevate the salad’s visual appeal and taste by generously sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions across the top.
- For maximum flavor intensity, allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop a deeper taste profile.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing accompaniment, enjoying the crisp texture and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Salt the cucumbers to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and not watery salad texture.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes for personal heat preference.
- Use English cucumbers for a seedless, tender option that requires less prep time.
- Refrigerate salad for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and create a more refreshing dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg