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Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

A refreshing and spicy Asian cucumber salad made with crunchy mini cucumbers tossed in a flavorful dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and red chili flakes. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this quick 15-minute salad is perfect as a light side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
  • 1 stalk green onion (ends trimmed and finely sliced)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos for gluten free)
  • 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp crushed or whole red chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Cut the cucumbers: Wash, dry, and trim the ends of the cucumbers. Place one cucumber between two chopsticks and slice at a 45° angle without cutting all the way through as the chopsticks act as a guide. Flip and cut at a 90° angle, then slice in half. Repeat for remaining cucumbers. Alternatively, thinly slice cucumbers using a mandoline.
  2. Salt the cucumbers: Place the cut cucumbers in a large bowl and toss them with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Drain the liquid and pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently mix to coat without breaking the cucumber slices. Garnish with finely sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • To make this dish gluten free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
  • Using chopsticks as a cutting guide helps create attractive sliced cucumber pieces without cutting all the way through.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/spicy-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe/