Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

$To make the spicy sesame cucumber salad, gather these items: - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon sea salt - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 teaspoons chili oil (adjust for spice level) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey) - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) If you run out of any ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some swaps: - Use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar. - Try olive oil instead of sesame oil for a different taste. - Use maple syrup in place of sugar or honey for a vegan option. - If you prefer less heat, skip the chili oil or use a milder sauce. When picking cucumbers, look for these signs: - Choose firm cucumbers with smooth skin. - Avoid cucumbers with soft spots or wrinkles. - Smaller cucumbers often taste sweeter and have fewer seeds. - If possible, go for organic cucumbers for better flavor and health. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by slicing your large cucumbers thinly. Use a sharp knife for even cuts. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps pull out extra water, making the salad crunchier. After 15 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove more water. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them dry. This ensures your salad won’t be watery. In a separate bowl, gather your dressing ingredients. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of chili oil. Adjust the chili oil to match your spice level. Next, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well until the sugar fully dissolves. This dressing is the key to flavor in your salad. Pour the dressing over the prepared cucumbers. Toss the cucumbers well to coat them evenly. Next, add finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to the bowl. Mix gently to combine everything. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. If you like, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. To make this salad pop, you can add a few extra ingredients. Try adding sliced radishes for a crunchy bite. You can also toss in some diced bell peppers for color and sweetness. A splash of lime juice can brighten the flavors even more. If you love garlic, a small minced clove works magic too. Experiment with what you enjoy! Adjusting the spice is key to your perfect salad. If you like it hot, add more chili oil. If you prefer it mild, use less. You can also mix in a bit of honey to balance the heat. A touch of sesame oil can tone down the spice while adding depth. Always taste as you go to find your ideal level. Serve this salad chilled for the best flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish. Use it as a side dish at your next barbecue. You can also enjoy it with rice or noodles for a light meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch of freshness. It's a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love! Pro Tips Balance the flavors: Adjust the amount of sugar or honey based on your preference for sweetness, as it balances the spiciness of the chili oil. Chill for best taste: Allow the salad to marinate in the fridge for longer than 10 minutes for an even richer flavor. Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices such as crushed red pepper flakes or sesame seeds to enhance the flavor profile. Fresh herbs matter: Garnishing with fresh cilantro or mint adds a burst of freshness to the salad, elevating its taste. {{image_2}} You can change the dressing for a new taste. Try using peanut sauce for a nutty flavor. You can also swap sesame oil for olive oil if you prefer. A splash of lemon juice adds brightness. For a zesty kick, mix in some sriracha or hot sauce. These swaps make the salad your own. To make this salad more filling, add proteins. Cooked shrimp or grilled chicken works well. You can also use cubed tofu for a plant-based option. Just toss the protein in the dressing before mixing it with cucumbers. This gives you a complete meal. Change it up with seasonal veggies. In summer, add diced tomatoes for freshness. In fall, try adding shredded carrots for crunch. You can also include radishes for a peppery taste. This keeps the salad exciting all year round. To store leftovers of your Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep the salad fresh and crisp. If you have extra dressing, keep it separate. This will help the cucumbers stay crunchy longer. When meal prepping, I recommend preparing the salad in two parts. Slice the cucumbers and store them with salt for flavor. Mix the dressing in another container. Combine them right before serving for the best taste and texture. This method keeps the salad fresh and vibrant all week. The spicy sesame cucumber salad is best eaten fresh. However, if stored properly, it can last up to three days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crunch and flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying leftovers. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it a few hours before you serve it. This gives the flavors time to blend and grow stronger. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to eat. It tastes great when cold! To adjust the spice level, change the amount of chili oil. If you want more heat, add an extra teaspoon or two. If you prefer it milder, use less chili oil. You can also remove the seeds from the chili oil for less spice. Taste as you go to find your perfect level! This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or noodle bowls. It adds a nice crunch and fresh taste to any meal. Try it with teriyaki chicken, beef stir-fry, or even a veggie rice bowl. You can also serve it as a side with sushi for a fun twist! This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad. We explored key ingredients, smart substitutions, and tips on picking the best cucumbers. You learned step-by-step how to prep your salad, make a great dressing, and blend it all together. Final thoughts: Experiment with flavors, try different dressings, and enjoy this refreshing dish. With proper storage, you can keep it fresh and ready to go. Happy cooking and taste testing!$

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and spicy cucumber salad with sesame oil and chili oil.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons chili oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 green onions finely chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with sea salt and allow them to sit for about 15 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture.
After 15 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any excess water and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili oil, soy sauce, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated.
Add the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to the bowl, mixing gently to incorporate.
Allow the salad to marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving, as this will enhance the flavors.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

Notes

Adjust the chili oil for desired spice level.

Keyword cucumber salad, sesame dressing, spicy salad