This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a delightful dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy dressing, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a dinner party, a refreshing side at a barbecue, or a light snack on a hot day, this salad will surely impress your guests. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it stand out while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Salad
- How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
- Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers
- Step 3: Drain and Rinse
- Step 4: Make the Dressing
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- As a Refreshing Side Dish
- With Noodles
- As an Appetizer
- Perfect for Meal Prep
- How to Perfect Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Best Side Dishes for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Reheating Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Easy Asian Cucumber Salad last?
- Can I customize the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?
- What should I serve with Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?
- Can I make this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to whip up a delicious dish in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a tangy dressing that enhances the fresh taste of cucumbers.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, making it suitable for various meals and occasions.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh cucumbers and wholesome seasonings, this salad fits well into any healthy diet plan.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the chili oil to match your heat preference, making it perfect for everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing the cucumbers evenly.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, helping maintain the cucumbers’ texture and appearance.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining all ingredients effectively, ensuring every slice is coated in dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- ¾ tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
Rinse the cucumbers under cold water. Slice one end at an angle. Continue slicing at an angle so the pieces are more oval than round. Adjust thickness according to your preference.
Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers
Add the sliced cucumbers to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse
After chilling, drain the released water from the bowl. Give the cucumbers a quick rinse (about 10 seconds) before returning them to the mixing bowl.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds to the cucumbers. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
For optimal texture and flavor, serve immediately after mixing! Enjoy your refreshing Easy Asian Cucumber Salad!
How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is versatile and can complement various dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or hosting a dinner party, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.
As a Refreshing Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken to balance the meal.
- Serve alongside fried rice for a delightful contrast in textures.
With Noodles
- Toss it into cold noodle salads for added crunch.
- Use it as a topping for ramen to enhance flavor and freshness.
As an Appetizer
- Present it in small bowls before the main course.
- Add toothpicks for easy snacking during gatherings.
Perfect for Meal Prep
- Pack it in containers for a healthy lunch option.
- It stays fresh, making it ideal for weekly meal prep.
How to Perfect Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
To make your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Select firm Persian cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Salt Time: Salting the cucumbers longer can improve their crunchiness.
- Customize Spice Level: Modify chili oil according to your heat preference for a personalized kick.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad enhances its refreshing taste, especially on hot days.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Try adding other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Use Quality Soy Sauce: Opt for light soy sauce with low sodium to keep the dish balanced.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Here’s a list of delicious options that will complement your meal perfectly.
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Juicy chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce brings rich flavors that contrast well with the salad.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy rice absorbs flavors from the main dish while providing a neutral base.
- Spicy Tuna Rolls: These sushi rolls add an exciting touch and pair well with the salad’s crunch.
- Vegetable Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with veggies offer a delightful contrast in textures alongside the crunchy salad.
- Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry: Crispy tofu stir-fried with vegetables complements the salad’s fresh flavors nicely.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes for a comforting addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few missteps when preparing an Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Salting Step: Failing to salt the cucumbers can result in a watery salad. Always salt your cucumbers and let them sit for at least 20 minutes.
- Using Thick Slices: Cutting the cucumbers too thick will lead to a less enjoyable texture. Aim for thin, angled slices for better flavor absorption.
- Neglecting to Drain: Not draining the excess water after salting can dilute the dressing. Make sure to drain and rinse before adding the dressing.
- Overdressing: Applying too much dressing can overpower the fresh taste of cucumbers. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Ignoring Spice Levels: Not adjusting the chili oil may leave your salad too spicy or bland. Taste as you go and modify based on your heat tolerance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness and crunch.
Freezing Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Avoid freezing as it alters the texture of cucumbers.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; this salad is meant to be served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as heat will change the texture.
- Stovetop: Do not reheat on stovetop; serve chilled for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Easy Asian Cucumber Salad last?
This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I customize the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, or even proteins such as chicken or tofu for added nutrition.
What should I serve with Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?
This refreshing salad pairs well with rice dishes, grilled meats, or noodles, making it a versatile side dish.
Can I make this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is not just refreshing; it’s also incredibly versatile for any meal. Whether as an appetizer or a side dish, its bright flavors are sure to please. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
PrintEasy Asian Cucumber Salad
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, a delightful dish that brightens any meal. This simple yet flavorful salad combines crisp Persian cucumbers with a tangy dressing made from sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light snack, it’s incredibly quick to prepare and can be customized to fit your spice preference. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a casual lunch, this salad will impress your guests with its vibrant taste and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- ¾ tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse cucumbers and slice them at an angle into thin, oval pieces.
- Place sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- After chilling, drain the cucumbers and rinse them briefly.
- In the mixing bowl, combine cucumbers with sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds. Stir until well mixed.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
