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Asian Cucumber Salad

A refreshing summer side dish featuring crunchy cucumbers marinated in a zesty combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 5 pcs Cucumbers Select firm cucumbers with no blemishes.
  • 3 tsp Granulated White Sugar Balances the flavors perfectly.
  • 2 tsp Sesame Seeds Toasted is best for a deeper flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic, Crushed Use fresh garlic for the best results.
  • 2-3 tbsp Green Onion, Chopped Adds a fresh, bright touch.
  • 1.5 tbsp Soy Sauce Use low-sodium if you prefer less saltiness.
  • 3 tsp Rice Vinegar Look for unseasoned versions for the best taste.
  • 3 tsp Chinese Chili Oil Spice it up to your liking.
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil Brings a nutty flavor.
  • 3 tsp Salt Adjust to your taste preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather your ingredients, chop your vegetables, and measure out the sauces.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Cut both ends off your cucumbers. Using a pair of chopsticks to hold it in place, make diagonal cuts down its length without cutting all the way through. Turn it over and make perpendicular cuts along the smooth side of the cucumber to create beautiful spirals.
  5. Place the cucumber spirals into a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently massage the salt into the cucumbers. Let it sit for about 8-10 minutes to help the cucumbers release some moisture.
  6. Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain and then pour the Asian marinade over them, mixing well to ensure every spiral is coated.
  7. Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or snack.

Notes

Avoid over-salting; you can always add more later if needed. For added flavor, let it marinate for an additional 30 minutes or longer.