Name: Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6-8 Persian cucumbers; 2 tbsp salt; 2 minced garlic cloves; 1 green onion; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/2 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp gochugaru; 1 tsp brown sugar; 1 tsp sesame seeds

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Why Make This Recipe

Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the crispness of cucumbers with delicious Asian flavors. It’s light, crunchy, and packed with taste. This salad is perfect for a side dish or a quick snack and adds a delightful kick to any meal. Plus, it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days.

How to Make Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

6-8 Persian cucumbers
2 tbsp salt
2 minced garlic cloves
1 green onion
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp gochugaru
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp sesame seeds

Directions:

Start placing a chopstick on either side of the cucumber. Make 45-degree slices into the cucumber; the chopsticks will help you avoid slicing all the way through.
Rotate the cucumber to the other side and make straight 90-degree cuts. This will create a spiral shape.
Place all the spiral cucumbers into a bowl and add the salt. The salt will help draw out moisture from the cucumbers. Massage the salt between the slices and let the cucumbers sit for 15-20 minutes.
While the cucumbers sit, mince your garlic and thinly slice the green onion.
After 15-20 minutes, rinse the salt off the cucumbers quickly and drain them. It may seem odd to wet the cucumbers after drawing out moisture, but this keeps them from reabsorbing too much water. Pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
Add the minced garlic, green onion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochugaru, brown sugar, and sesame seeds to the bowl. Mix everything well into the cucumbers.
Enjoy the salad right away while it’s still crunchy!

How to Serve Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is best served fresh. You can enjoy it as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood. It’s also a great addition to a picnic or barbecue. Serve it in a bowl with chopsticks or forks for easy enjoyment.

How to Store Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it is best when eaten fresh. The cucumbers may lose their crunch over time, but the flavors will still be tasty.

Tips to Make Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

Use fresh Persian cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the amount of gochugaru based on your heat preference.
Letting the salad sit for a little while after mixing can help the flavors meld better, but it’s still best enjoyed fresh.

Variation

You can add other veggies like shredded carrots, radishes, or bell peppers for more crunch and color. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like cilantro for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to peel off the skin if it’s thick and bitter.

2. What can I use if I don’t have gochugaru?
If you don’t have gochugaru, you can substitute it with chili flakes or cayenne pepper, but the flavor will be a bit different.

3. How long does the salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best eaten within a day or two for optimal crunchiness. After that, it may become too soft.

Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad