Amazing Spicy Cucumber Salad
This amazing spicy cucumber salad recipe is crunchy, refreshing, and ready in 30 minutes! A perfect side or light meal, packed with flavour and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
- 6 mini cucumbers (Persian or Lebanese cucumbers work well)
- 1 tbsp salt (for salting cucumbers)
- ¾ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp chilli oil (adjust to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely crushed
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted for extra flavour)
How to Make It
1. Prep the Cucumbers
Trim both ends off the cucumbers. Place one between two chopsticks on a chopping board (this stops your knife from cutting all the way through). Slice diagonally, flip, and slice again diagonally to create a spiral-cut look. Repeat for all cucumbers.
2. Salt the Cucumbers
Place all sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss. Let them sit for 15–30 minutes to draw out excess water. This gives the salad extra crunch.
3. Rinse & Dry
Rinse the salted cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and pat dry with a clean tea towel or paper towels.
4. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, chilli oil, and sesame seeds.
5. Assemble the Salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until everything is coated evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick (no cooking required!)
- Great for meal prep—tastes better over time
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan
- Easy to customise with your favourite extras
Recipe Notes
- No Chilli Oil? Sub with Korean chilli flakes or a small spoonful of sambal oelek.
- Make Ahead: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Flavour deepens, but cucumbers may lose a little crunch.
- Boost It: Add sliced carrots, capsicum, shelled edamame, crushed peanuts, or even tofu for a heartier salad.
- Adjust to Taste: The dressing is easy to tweak—add more vinegar for tang, more sugar for balance, or more chilli if you love heat.
Serving Ideas
Serve this cucumber salad alongside:
- Grilled chicken or tofu
- Sticky rice or rice paper rolls
- Korean BBQ or dumplings
- As part of a plant-based grazing table
Other Recipes!
Turkish Pasta with Spiced Beef
Original Recipe Found on SIMS Home Kitchen
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