This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing treat that’s super quick to make! With crunchy cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and a hint of sesame oil, it’s perfect for any meal.
You can whip this up in just a few minutes! I love to serve it on hot days—it’s so light and crisp, it always makes me feel like I’m at a summer picnic! ☀️🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I suggest using English or Persian cucumbers for their crisp texture and mild flavor. If those aren’t available, pick regular cucumbers but slice them thinner to avoid bitterness.
Rice Vinegar: This gives the salad its tangy flavor. If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as alternatives, but use them sparingly as they can be more potent.
Soy Sauce: Standard soy sauce adds saltiness to the dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos; they provide a similar flavor profile.
Sesame Oil: This brings a lovely nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, a light olive oil can serve, but the taste will differ slightly.
Ginger and Garlic: Adding fresh ginger and garlic enhances the flavor. Ground ginger and garlic powder could be substitutes in a pinch; just use less since they are more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Cucumbers?
The key to crunchy cucumbers is to draw out excess moisture. Here’s how:
- Slice your cucumbers and sprinkle salt over them in a colander.
- Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will draw out water and keep them crisp.
- Afterward, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove extra moisture.
This technique prevents a soggy salad and keeps everything fresh and crunchy. Simple, yet effective!
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend approximately 15 minutes getting the cucumbers ready (including salting to draw out moisture) and an additional 10 minutes to mix everything together and chill it in the fridge before serving. Perfect for a fast and delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly and placing them in a colander. Sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and toss them gently to coat. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This process helps remove excess water, keeping your salad crunchy. After 15 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any additional moisture before proceeding.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Mix until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing is key to giving your salad that delightful Asian flavor!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Transfer the drained cucumbers to a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing you just made over the cucumbers and toss everything together to ensure the cucumbers are well-coated in the delicious dressing.
4. Add Extras:
Now it’s time to add in the sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of heat). Toss everything once more to distribute these ingredients throughout the salad.
5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready, serve your crunchy, refreshing Easy Asian Cucumber Salad as a delightful side dish!
FAQ for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Other Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English and Persian cucumbers work best for their crisp texture, you can also use regular cucumbers. Just slice them thinly and consider peeling them to reduce bitterness.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can make the salad a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh. Just toss it lightly before digging in!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, cucumbers may become softer as they sit, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch!
Can I Customize the Dressing?
Definitely! You can adjust the flavors to your liking. For a sweeter dressing, add more sugar, or to kick up the tanginess, increase the rice vinegar. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like chili oil or honey for a unique twist!
