Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-483596H8M30S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Cucumbers: 5 Persian cucumbers; Salt: ½ teaspoon; Sesame Oil: ½ tablespoon; Light Soy Sauce: ¾ tablespoon; Sugar: ½ to 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste); Rice Vinegar: ¾ tablespoon; Chili Oil: 1 tablespoon (adjust to preference); Sesame Seeds: ½ tablespoon; Garlic (optional): ½ tablespoon, minced

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that is both simple to make and packed with flavor. This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a perfect example. Inspired by traditional Asian pickled vegetables, this salad brings together the crisp, refreshing bite of cucumbers with a balanced mix of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. It is a go-to recipe for when you need a quick appetizer, a refreshing side dish, or a light snack.

What makes this recipe ideal for beginners is its simplicity—minimal ingredients, no cooking required, and just a few easy steps to prepare. Plus, it is highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak the flavors to your preference. Whether you are looking for a healthy side dish or a cooling contrast to a spicy main course, this cucumber salad is a must-try.

Ingredients and Their Role

Cucumbers: The star of the dish, providing a fresh and crunchy texture. Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and minimal seeds, but English cucumbers or regular slicing cucumbers work too.

Salt: Used to draw out excess water from the cucumbers, enhancing their crispness and preventing a watery salad.
Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma that complements the lightness of the cucumbers.
Light Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami depth that balances the acidity of the vinegar.

Sugar: Provides a slight sweetness to balance the tanginess and saltiness. You can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
Rice Vinegar: Gives the salad its signature tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Chili Oil: Adds a bit of heat, making the flavors more dynamic. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance, or omit it for a milder version.

Sesame Seeds: Offer a subtle crunch and extra nuttiness. Toasted sesame seeds intensify the flavor.
Garlic (Optional): Brings a punch of sharp, aromatic depth to the dressing.

Alternative Ingredients

If you prefer a sweeter salad, try adding a drizzle of honey.

For extra crunch, toss in thinly sliced carrots or radishes.
If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the cucumbers and slice them at an angle to create oval-shaped pieces. The thickness is up to personal preference, but thinner slices absorb the dressing better.

Step 2: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This process, known as “sweating,” helps remove excess water, keeping the cucumbers crunchy.

Step 3: Drain the cucumbers and rinse them under cold running water for about 10 seconds to remove excess salt. Lightly squeeze to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately for the best crunch and freshness. Enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

Sweating the Cucumbers: This step is crucial for preventing a watery salad. If you skip it, the cucumbers will release moisture into the dressing, diluting the flavors.

How to Adjust Sweetness and Acidity: If the dressing tastes too tangy, add a pinch more sugar. If it is too sweet, increase the vinegar slightly.
Spice Level: If you are not a fan of heat, start with a small amount of chili oil or leave it out entirely. You can also replace it with a mild chili crunch or red pepper flakes for a different level of spice.
Make-Ahead Option: To keep the salad fresh, store the sliced cucumbers and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain their crispness.

Serving Suggestions

This cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

With Rice Dishes: Serve alongside fried rice or steamed jasmine rice for a balanced meal.
With Grilled Meats: The refreshing crunch complements grilled chicken, beef, or fish.

As a Side for Noodles: Enjoy with ramen, stir-fried noodles, or cold sesame noodles.
With Asian-Inspired Mains: Try it with teriyaki chicken, miso-glazed salmon, or a tofu stir-fry.

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving.

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a fantastic addition to any meal, bringing a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is quick, foolproof, and endlessly customizable.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out, or share your own variations. Happy cooking!

FAQ About Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Can I use a different type of cucumber?

Yes! Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and crisp texture, but English cucumbers or regular slicing cucumbers work well too. If using larger cucumbers, remove the seeds to prevent excess water in the salad.

How do I keep the cucumbers crunchy?

Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for at least 20 minutes helps draw out excess moisture. Rinsing and lightly squeezing them before adding the dressing keeps them extra crisp.

Is this salad spicy?

It depends on how much chili oil you use. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili oil. You can also substitute it with red pepper flakes or a mild chili crisp for a different level of heat.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the cucumbers and dressing separately and mix just before serving. If already mixed, store in an airtight container and consume within two days.

More Relevant Recipes

The Jennifer Aniston Salad