Craving a vibrant, refreshing side dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in minutes? This Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad is your answer! Crisp cucumbers meet a tangy, spicy dressing, creating an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any occasion. Inspired by the simple, fresh flavors of Asian cuisine, this salad is a delicious and healthy way to add excitement to your meals. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Flavorful: A delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins and fiber from fresh cucumbers.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Irresistible Texture: The crunch of cucumbers, peanuts, and sesame seeds is simply addictive.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers (approximately 500g), thinly sliced. Look for firm cucumbers without blemishes.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (60ml). Use seasoned or unseasoned, adjusting the honey accordingly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml). Reduced sodium soy sauce works great if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15ml). Toasted sesame oil offers a richer flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey (15ml). You can substitute with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (5g), or more to taste. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (30g). Roasted, unsalted peanuts provide the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (15g). Toast them lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor.
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (15g). Choose fresh, firm green onions.
Essential Equipment List
- Large bowl: For tossing the salad.
- Small bowl: For whisking the dressing ingredients together.
- Whisk: To emulsify the dressing for a smooth consistency.
- Knife or mandoline: For thinly slicing the cucumbers. A mandoline ensures uniform slices.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad:
Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water.
- Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Uniform slices ensure even marinating.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chili garlic sauce.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your desired level of spiciness. Start with a little and add more to taste.
- Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
Combine and Chill
- Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers in the large bowl.
- Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly with the dressing.
Add Toppings
- Sprinkle the chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and sliced green onion over the salad.
Refrigerate
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to marinate slightly.
Serve
- Serve chilled and enjoy the Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad!
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Tips for Success
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad turns out perfectly:
- Thin Slices: Thinly slicing the cucumbers is crucial for achieving the right texture and allowing them to absorb the dressing effectively.
- Adjust Spice: Start with a small amount of chili garlic sauce and add more gradually to reach your desired level of spiciness.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling time! It allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to become more flavorful.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Toast Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad enhances their nutty flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Customize your Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad to suit your preferences:
- Vegan: Substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
- Extra Crunch: Add some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for extra crunch.
- Add Veggies: Include thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or radishes for added nutrients and color.
- Herbs: Add fresh cilantro or mint for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad
This Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, beef, or fish for a complete meal.
- Rice Bowls: Add it to rice bowls with tofu or tempeh for a flavorful and healthy lunch.
- Appetizer: Serve as a refreshing appetizer at your next gathering.
- Noodle Dishes: Pair with noodle dishes like stir-fries or ramen for added flavor and texture.
Health Benefits
Besides being delicious, this Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad offers several health benefits:
- Hydration: Cucumbers are high in water content, helping you stay hydrated.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and potassium.
- Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help protect your body against damage from free radicals.
- Low in Calories: A healthy and guilt-free side dish option.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to properly store and enjoy your leftover Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad:
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Texture Note: The cucumbers may release some liquid as they sit, so you may want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cucumbers will lose their crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make It Less Spicy?
Reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce altogether. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be used for a milder heat.
Can I Use Other Types of Vinegar?
Yes, but rice vinegar is recommended for its mild and slightly sweet flavor. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch, but use less and adjust the honey to taste.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes, but keep in mind that the cucumbers will release liquid as they sit. For best results, prepare the dressing and slice the cucumbers separately, then combine them shortly before serving.
What Kind of Cucumbers Are Best?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are great choices because they have thin skin and fewer seeds. Regular cucumbers can also be used, but you may want to peel them and remove the seeds.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, radishes, or red onions would all be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g
More Delicious Dishes to Explore
Craving more vibrant and flavorful dishes? Try these:
- Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad – A light and tangy salad perfect for summer.
- Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – A quick and flavorful twist on a classic.
- Tik Tok Korean Cucumber Salad – A viral sensation that’s both spicy and refreshing!
Conclusion
This Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad is a fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile side dish that’s sure to impress. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!
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Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Spicy & Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chili garlic sauce. Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and toss gently to coat.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and sliced green onion over the salad.
- Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to marinate slightly.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preference.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice cucumbers separately, then combine before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, asian cucumber salad, crunchy salad, side dish, asian cuisine, easy salad
