Simple Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe: Refreshing, Easy, and Delicious

What is Simple Asian Cucumber Salad?

This refreshing salad is a staple in many Asian cuisines, made with thinly sliced cucumbers and crunchy vegetables. The combination of cool cucumbers, crunchy textures, and a zesty dressing creates a perfect harmony of flavors and sensations.

The Simple Asian Cucumber Salad is ideal for hot summer days when a light and revitalizing meal is needed. It’s also a great addition to potlucks or as a side dish for Asian-inspired meals. The salad’s simplicity and ease of preparation make it an easy recipe to whip up at a moment’s notice.

• Thinly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing base
• Crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for added texture
• A zesty dressing made with ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil

With its cooling and invigorating properties, the Simple Asian Cucumber Salad is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing salad to beat the heat. Its ease of preparation and adaptability to various Asian-inspired meals make it a versatile and delicious choice.

Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad is a perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor, thanks to a simple blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine cucumbers, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar.
2. Toss to coat cucumbers evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Essential Ingredients for Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad is a perfect combination of Asian flavors and crunchy texture. Gather these ingredients to make it a reality.

For the best results, choose the freshest and highest-quality ingredients available.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers (240 g / 1 cup), peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon honey (15 g)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro or scallions
• 1/4 cup (60 g) toasted sesame seeds

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 g) diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup (120 g) diced avocado
• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup (15 g) toasted almonds or cashews

Remember, you can always adjust the amount of ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

To create this refreshing Simple Asian Cucumber Salad, follow these easy steps, which can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal or side dish.

The Simple Asian Cucumber Salad Instructions outlined below will guide through the preparation of this mouthwatering salad, ensuring the best results with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for those looking for Asian Cucumber Salad Instructions or a simple Salad Recipe Instructions.

1. Begin by peeling and thinly slicing 2 large cucumbers (approximately 400 g / 2 cups) into rounds, placing them in a colander to drain excess moisture for exactly 10 minutes at room temperature (around 20°C / 68°F).
2. In a small saucepan, combine 120 ml / 1/2 cup of rice vinegar, 60 ml / 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons (30 g / 2 tablespoons) of granulated sugar, heating the mixture over medium heat (around 180°C / 356°F) for 5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature (around 20°C / 68°F) for 10 minutes, then refrigerate it at 4°C / 39°F for at least 5 minutes to chill.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, mixing well to combine.
5. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat, ensuring they are evenly covered with the dressing.
6. Seed and thinly slice 1 large red bell pepper (approximately 120 g / 1/2 cup) into strips, adding it to the bowl with the cucumbers and tossing gently to combine.
7. Sprinkle 1/4 cup (15 g / 1/2 oz) of toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 cup (15 g / 1/2 oz) of chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the salad, tossing again to distribute evenly.
8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad at 4°C / 39°F for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Just before serving, slice 1/2 cup (60 g / 2 oz) of pickled ginger into thin strips and arrange them on top of the salad, adding a garnish of additional sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.
10. Serve the Simple Asian Cucumber Salad chilled, straight from the refrigerator, and enjoy as a light and refreshing side dish or add to your favorite meals for a burst of Asian-inspired flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

This Simple Asian Cucumber Salad is refreshingly easy to make, but a few extra steps can elevate it from good to truly exceptional.

Slicing Secrets

For the best texture, slice cucumbers into thin rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for about 3-4mm thick. Thicker slices will be less crisp, while paper-thin slices can become watery.

Vegetable Variety

While cucumbers are the star, don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables. Thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or radishes add color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.

Dressing Delights

The dressing is key to this salad’s flavor. Use rice vinegar for a classic tang, or try a milder apple cider vinegar for a softer taste. Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, and don’t be afraid to add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.

Pro Tip: Salt the cucumbers for 15 minutes before adding the dressing. This draws out excess moisture and prevents a soggy salad.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Over-dressing: Start with less dressing than you think you need, and add more gradually until you reach the desired flavor.
2. Bland cucumbers: Make sure your cucumbers are fresh and crisp. If they’re soft or wilted, they won’t add the desired texture.
3. Skipping the salt: Salting the cucumbers is crucial for a crisp and flavorful salad.

Substitutions and Variations for Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make this salad your own.

Substitute the Cucumbers:

• For a sweeter flavor, try using 2-3 thinly sliced Asian or English cucumbers (240 g / 1 cup).
• For a crunchier texture, substitute with 1 large jicama, peeled and thinly sliced (180 g / 3/4 cup).

Swap the Dressing:

• For a spicy kick, substitute the soy sauce with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of sriracha sauce.
• To add a tangy flavor, use 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of rice vinegar instead of the rice wine vinegar.

Additional Flavors:

• Add 1/4 cup (15 g) of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• For a burst of freshness, add 1/4 cup (15 g) of chopped cilantro or scallions.
• To add a smoky flavor, use 1 tablespoon (15 g) of sesame oil instead of vegetable oil.

Remember, these substitutions are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination that suits your taste.

Variations of Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

Experiment with different flavors to elevate this refreshing salad. Here are some variations to try:

• Spicy Korean-Style: Add 1-2 teaspoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an extra kick. This variation increases the preparation time by 5 minutes and adds a bold, spicy flavor.
• Japanese-Inspired: Mix in 60 g / 1/4 cup of pickled ginger and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for a sweet and savory taste. This variation adds 10 minutes to the preparation time and introduces a deeper umami flavor.
• Thai-Style: Combine 1-2 teaspoons of Thai red curry paste with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of lime juice for a creamy and aromatic flavor. This variation increases the preparation time by 10 minutes and adds a rich, slightly spicy flavor.

These variations offer unique twists on the classic Simple Asian Cucumber Salad, with flavor profiles ranging from spicy to sweet and savory. Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

How to Store Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

Want to enjoy your Simple Asian Cucumber Salad for more than just a day? Here’s how to store it properly and keep it tasting fresh:

1. Refrigerate Promptly: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator as soon as it’s ready. This helps prevent excess moisture buildup and keeps the flavors vibrant.
2. Separate Dressing: For the best results, store the dressing separately from the cucumbers. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming soggy and ensures the dressing remains flavorful.

When stored correctly, your Simple Asian Cucumber Salad will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Common Issues with Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

Don’t let common problems ruin your delicious Simple Asian Cucumber Salad. With these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to identify and fix issues in no time.

Fixing Common Problems

• Issue 1: Soggy Cucumbers
  • Fix: Slice cucumbers thinly and salt them for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels before using.
• Issue 2: Overpowering Dressing
  • Fix: Start with a small amount of dressing and adjust to taste. You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess dressing.
• Issue 3: Lack of Flavor
  • Fix: Add aromatics like grated ginger, garlic, or sesame oil to give your salad a boost of flavor.
• Issue 4: Insufficient Cooling Time
  • Fix: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to create a perfectly balanced and refreshing Simple Asian Cucumber Salad every time.

Nutrition Facts for Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad offers numerous nutritional benefits. Per serving (approximately 120 g / 4.3 oz), it contains around 45 calories, with a macro breakdown of 10 g / 0.4 oz carbohydrates, 2 g / 0.07 oz protein, and 0.5 g / 0.02 oz fat.

• Calories: 45 per serving
• Macros: 10 g / 0.4 oz carbs, 2 g / 0.07 oz protein, 0.5 g / 0.02 oz fat

This Simple Asian Cucumber Salad is GF (Gluten-Free), DF (Dairy-Free), and Vegan, making it an excellent option for various dietary needs.

Key Takeaways from Making Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

Mastering the art of making Simple Asian Cucumber Salad requires attention to detail and a few essential techniques. Here are the key takeaways to help you create this refreshing dish:

• Choose the right cucumbers: Opt for Asian-style cucumbers or English cucumbers for their crunchy texture and mild flavor.
• Don’t over-peel: Leave some of the skin on the cucumbers to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Use a balanced dressing: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes for a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
• Adjust to taste: Add or subtract chili flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to chill.
• Serve fresh: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

By following these key takeaways, you’ll be able to create a delicious and refreshing Simple Asian Cucumber Salad that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Author Notes and Recommendations for Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

When preparing the Simple Asian Cucumber Salad, it’s essential to use thinly sliced cucumbers to ensure they absorb the flavors evenly. For the best results, chill the cucumbers in the refrigerator at 4°C / 39°F for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

The dressing is a crucial component of this salad, and using high-quality ingredients like 60 ml / 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 30 ml / 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar will make a significant difference in the overall taste. Adjust the amount of 15 g / 1 tablespoon of grated ginger to your liking, as it can be quite potent.

• For an added crunch, top the salad with toasted 30 g / 1/4 cup of sesame seeds or chopped nuts.
• Experiment with different types of cucumbers, such as English or Persian, for varying textures and flavors.

These insider tips will help elevate the Simple Asian Cucumber Salad to a whole new level, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch for any occasion.

Why You Need to Try This Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

This Simple Asian Cucumber Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a burst of refreshing flavor that elevates any meal. The tangy dressing, crunchy cucumbers, and subtle spice make it a perfect palate cleanser or a light lunch on its own.

It’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to adjust the spice level or add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to customize it to your liking.

Ready to dive in? Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite summer salad. Looking for more Asian-inspired recipes? Check out our collection of delicious Asian dishes.