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A fresh and crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad featuring thinly sliced Persian cucumbers tossed in a tangy, savory, and mildly spicy dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, light soy sauce, and optional garlic and chili oil. This quick and easy salad serves as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 Persian cucumbers
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/2–1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/2 tbsp minced garlic (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cucumbers and slice off one end at an angle.
  2. Continue slicing the cucumbers at an angle to create oval shapes; adjust thickness to preference.
  3. Place cucumber slices into a bowl or container and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over them.
  4. Toss well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  5. Drain the cucumber water, rinse slices quickly under cold running water for about 10 seconds, then return to the bowl.
  6. Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, toasted sesame seeds, and minced garlic if using.
  7. Stir everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated, then serve immediately.

Notes

Start with 1/2 tablespoon sugar and adjust to balance sweetness with tang and heat., Garlic is optional and adds a bright, savory note if desired., Best served fresh; plan to serve soon after tossing., Salting and chilling cucumbers pulls out moisture, keeping the salad crunchy and preventing watery dressing., Rinse cucumbers after salting to remove excess salt, avoiding an overly salty taste due to soy sauce., Make ahead by preparing cucumber slices and dressing separately; store in airtight containers in fridge for up to two days, then combine just before serving., Serve cold; do not freeze or reheat as texture will be compromised.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1 serving
  • Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories per serving
  • Fat: 3 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 6 grams per serving
  • Protein: 1 gram per serving