This Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad is an all-around season salad you can make at any time. This dish wonder is perfect as a side dish for this frozen fish cooked in the air fryer; it is ideal for a lechon kawali dish and gives extra summer freshness for picnics and snacks. This Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad is straightforward to prepare and bursting with flavor. This is a must-try!
Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad
This appetizer spoiled me rotten when I went home to the Philippines last month. My dad has a backyard garden, and it seems like a new cucumber sprouts every morning. I have never made cucumber salad as much as I did in the Philippines. I was loving it. But I am now back to reality, where I must buy cucumbers. Bummer.
I am sharing this Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad that is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or home enjoyment. With its refreshing flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, the next time you’re looking for a light, flavorful salad, whip up this Asian cucumber delight and enjoy the taste of summer all year round!
Why you will love it
- Easy to prepare – the ingredients can be readily available in your pantry. If you don’t have gochugaru, you can make your own. Try this recipe.
- Simple ingredients – you can slice this into rounds. I tried spiraling it to make it look good.
- It’s customizable—add any ingredients you like! Try adding garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Season it with anything you fancy, too.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: The star of the show! English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their thin skin and minimal seeds.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the salad’s overall taste.
- Oyster Sauce: Provides a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
- Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami, elevating the flavor profile.
- Gochugaru
Additions for Extra Flavor
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a sharpness that pairs beautifully with the cucumber.
- Chili Flakes or Sriracha: These ingredients can spice things up for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Scallions: Chopped green onions lend a mild flavor and a pop of color.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and a delightful nuttiness.
Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad
- Slice the Cucumbers: Start by washing your cucumbers. Slice them thinly; you can use a mandoline for uniformity or a sharp knife for rustic cuts. If you prefer, you can also julienne them for a fun presentation.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together two tablespoons of rice vinegar, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one tablespoon of sesame oil, and one minced garlic clove. Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for some heat.
- Toss It All Together: Combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped scallions, and the dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat all the cucumbers.
- Let It Marinate: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. Marination allows the cucumbers to absorb the dressing, enhancing their taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch. Enjoy it chilled!
How to Slice the Cucumber
Although you can slice the cucumber thinly, slicing it like a spiral adds more visual and character to the dish. I think people get curious about how to cut it, and it adds talking points to the dish.
- Put the cucumber in between chopsticks.
- Slice the cucumber horizontally.
- After slicing the cucumber horizontally, turn the cucumber and cut diagonally.
- This is how to cut Asia Cucumber Salad
Tips
- Versatility-Asian cucumber salad is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish for grilled meats, paired with rice dishes, or even enjoyed as a light lunch. Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Customization—Don’t hesitate to make it yours. Add proteins like shredded chicken or tofu to make a heartier meal. You can also experiment with herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness.
Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad
Sometimes, no matter how delicious this salad is, you may still have some leftovers. Transfer the leftovers to a sealed container and let them sit in the fridge for up to three days.
Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- 2 chopsticks
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
Simple Basic Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Gochugaru
Add ons
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seed
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Wash cucumber and cut off the ends.
- Place cucumber between two chopsticks. Cut it at a straight angle, turn to the other side, and cut at a diagonal angle. Please refer to the picture above. You can also slice the cucumber into thin slices.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, gochugaru, onion powder, garlic powder, sesame oil to a medium-sized bowl. Mix and season according to your liking. Add the optional ingredients, and pour the dressing into the cucumber. Let the cucumber sit in the fridge for thirty minutes.
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