This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad uses crisp cucumbers, a savory sauce, and a little heat. It is quick to make and needs no cooking. If you want a crunchy side for a party, try it with an air fryer chicken bites recipe for a simple meal.
Why make this recipe
This salad is fast, fresh, and full of flavor. It uses simple ingredients and takes little time. It makes a cool side dish for hot days or a light snack any time.
How to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Start by slicing the cucumbers and drawing out their water with salt. Rinse and drain, then toss the cucumbers with oils, soy, vinegar, sugar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic. Chill a short time, then serve.
Ingredients :
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2–1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Directions :
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle. Slices should look more oval than round. Thickness is up to your preference.
- Add to a bowl or container and sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Mix that well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
- Drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick 10-second rinse before returning them back to the bowl or container.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
- Stir until well combined and serve. Enjoy!
How to serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Serve cold or at room temperature. This salad pairs well with grilled meat, rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a fish dish like bang bang salmon for a light, fresh meal.
How to store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 2 days for best crunch. The salad will get softer the longer it sits.
Tips to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Use Persian or English cucumbers for thin skin and few seeds.
- Salt and chill to keep the cucumbers crisp.
- Taste the sauce and adjust sugar from 1/2 to 1 tbsp to match your sweet preference.
- Use minced garlic only if you like a strong garlic flavor.
- Drain well to prevent a watery salad.
Variation
- Add thin slices of red onion or scallions for more bite.
- Swap chili oil for chili flakes and a little neutral oil if you want less heat.
- Add a pinch of toasted sesame oil for more nutty aroma.
- Mix in a few chopped cilantro leaves for fresh green flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular cucumbers?
A: Yes, you can. Peel and remove seeds if they are large or bitter.
Q: Is the garlic required?
A: No. Garlic is optional. Leave it out for a milder taste.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can, but cucumbers soften over time. Make it the same day for best crunch.
Q: How spicy is this salad?
A: The chili oil gives moderate heat. Reduce or skip it to make the salad mild.
Conclusion
For another clear version of this recipe, see Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – Farah J. Eats. If you want a slightly different take, check Asian Cucumber Salad | Feasting At Home.
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Cucumbers
- 5 pieces 5 Persian cucumbers Use Persian or English cucumbers for thin skin and few seeds.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt Used to draw out water from the cucumbers.
Sauce
- 1/2 tbsp 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2–1 tbsp 1/2–1 tbsp sugar Adjust to taste.
- 3/4 tbsp 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp chili oil Can reduce or skip for a milder salad.
- 1/2 tbsp 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional) Omit for a milder taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle to create more oval than round slices. Thickness is up to your preference.
- Add to a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
- Drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick 10-second rinse before returning them to the bowl.
Mixing
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
- Stir until well combined and serve.