Description
A quick and refreshing 15-Minute Spicy Cucumber Salad that combines crisp Persian cucumbers with a savory, tangy, and spicy dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a vibrant addition to any meal, this salad is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumbers
- 6 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Spicy Sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili crunch (or chili oil)
Garnish
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the cucumbers: Slice the Persian cucumbers into thin rounds for a crisp texture and place them in a large bowl.
- Salt and drain: Sprinkle kosher salt over the sliced cucumbers, toss well to combine, and let them sit for at least 10 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture. After sitting, drain the liquid thoroughly.
- Make the spicy sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix together sugar, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated garlic, and chili crunch or chili oil until well combined.
- Toss cucumbers with sauce: Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the drained cucumbers. Stir well to ensure all slices are evenly coated.
- Add garnish: Sprinkle the finely chopped green onion and sesame seeds over the salad, then toss gently to incorporate.
- Serve or refrigerate: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for up to 4 days to let the flavors meld even more.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili crunch or chili oil.
- Allowing the cucumbers to sit with salt helps prevent a watery salad by drawing out excess moisture.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be eaten right after preparation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, quick cucumber salad, Persian cucumber recipe, Asian cucumber salad, healthy side dish, gluten free cucumber salad
