This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a crunchy, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days. With light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, each bite packs a punch!
I love how quick it is to whip up—just slice, mix, and let it chill. It’s like a little crunch party on my plate! 🥒🎉 Enjoy it as a side or snack anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are best for their crispness and thin skin. If you can’t find those, regular garden cucumbers will work, but remember to peel them to reduce bitterness.
Rice Vinegar: This gives a mild tang. If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be decent substitutes. Just adjust the amount to taste as these can be stronger.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free option if needed, too.
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a fantastic nutty flavor. If you’re short on this, you might try using a light vegetable oil, but it’ll change the salad’s profile a bit.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor wonderfully. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger can work; just use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Remove Extra Moisture from the Cucumbers?
Getting rid of excess moisture makes the salad crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- After slicing your cucumbers, sprinkle them with a little salt. The salt draws out moisture.
- Let the cucumbers sit in a colander for about 10 minutes.
- Gently pat them dry with paper towels before tossing them in the dressing. This ensures the flavors stick better!
This step is important for keeping the salad fresh and crunchy!
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian cucumbers work well)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
For Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 15 minutes of preparation and an extra 15 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Then slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces. Thin slices will soak up the dressing beautifully!
2. Draw Out Excess Water:
Once sliced, place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle them lightly with salt. This will help draw out excess water and keep the salad crisp. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
3. Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger if you’re using it. This mixture combines sweet and tangy flavors that will coat the cucumbers perfectly!
4. Toss Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices, dressing, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to ensure that all the cucumber pieces are coated evenly and absorb the flavors.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top of the salad for a nice crunch. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes according to your taste.
6. Chill Before Serving:
For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and enhances the overall taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad a quick toss and serve it cold as a refreshing side dish with any meal. Enjoy the crisp, tangy goodness!
This salad is not only quick and easy to make, but it also provides a fresh burst of flavor that goes wonderfully with many dishes. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English and Persian cucumbers are preferred for their crunch and thin skin, you can also use garden cucumbers. Just make sure to peel them to avoid bitterness!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture and freshness, it’s ideal to enjoy it within the first day.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad several hours ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Giving it some chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
If you’re out of rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as these vinegars can have a stronger flavor.