Description
This 15-Minute Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a quick side or snack. Featuring crisp Persian cucumbers tossed in a savory, tangy, and spicy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili crunch, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for enhanced taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumbers
- 6 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Spicy Sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili crunch, or chili oil
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the cucumbers: Add the sliced Persian cucumbers and kosher salt to a large bowl. Toss them well to evenly coat with salt, then let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, keeping the salad crisp. After resting, drain any liquid released from the cucumbers.
- Make and add spicy sauce: In the same bowl with the drained cucumbers, add the sugar, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated garlic, and chili crunch or chili oil. Stir everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the cucumbers with the flavorful sauce. Then fold in the finely chopped green onion and sprinkle with sesame seeds, mixing gently. The salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to 4 days to deepen the flavors.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for the best texture and flavor, but regular cucumbers can be substituted if needed.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Adjust the chili crunch or chili oil to your preferred spice level.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, quick cucumber salad, no cook salad, gluten free side dish, easy cucumber recipe
