Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe:Refreshing &Flavorful Side Dish with an Asian Twist

Ready to spice up your side dishes? This spicy cucumber salad recipe combines cool cucumbers with bold Asian flavors. It’s a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s easy to make and will excite your taste buds.

With just a few things you need and quick work,you can make a delicious cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers, garlic, green onions, and a spicy dressing made with soy sauce and chili oil create a perfect balance of flavors.

This Asian cucumber salad recipe is inspired by traditional Chinese smashed cucumber salads. But it has a modern twist that lets you adjust the spice to your liking. Based on your taste, you can make it lighter or spicier.

Key Takeaways:

This side dish is quick and easy to make 10 minutes
Refreshing combination of cool cucumbers and spicy Asian flavors
You can change this method if you want to fit your desired spice level
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
Low in calories but packed with nutrients and flavor

So, get ready to dive into this spicy cucumber salad recipe. Discover a new favorite side dish that adds a refreshing and flavorful Asian twist to your meals!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cucumber Salad

This spicy cucumber salad is a mix of cool cucumbers and spicy Asian flavors. The cucumbers’ crunch and the chili oil’s kick make it perfect. It’s a great balance of taste and texture.

Looking for a side dish or a light snack? This salad is perfect. It’s easy to make and needs just a few ingredients. It’s great for those who want a healthy, It’s easy to make a good meal without putting in a lot of work.

A Unique Combination of Flavors

The recipe uses 6 mini cucumbers, spiraled and mixed with a tasty blend.The ingredients include:

1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1.5 teaspoons gochujang
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon brown sugar

This mix of flavors is salty, sweet, spicy, and umami. It will excite your taste buds.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not only tasty but also nutritious. One serving has:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	101 kcal
Carbohydrates	11 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	6 g
Sodium	2665 mg
Potassium	216 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	6 g
Vitamin A	123 IUV
Vitamin C	4 mg
Calcium	56 mg
Iron	1 mg

Dietary Friendly

This salad is vegan and gluten-free. It’s perfect for those on a plant-based diet or avoiding gluten. You can enjoy it without any changes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this spicy cucumber salad, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with English or Persian cucumbers. They have thin, edible skins and few seeds. These cucumbers are perfect for salads because they stay crunchy and soak up the dressing’s flavors.

Spices and Sauces for a Spicy Kick

For a spicy kick, use gochujang, a Korean chili paste, or chili oil. Red pepper flakes that have been broken up can also be used.These ingredients will make the salad spicy and give it an Asian twist.

Aromatic Additions for Depth and Texture

Minced garlic and sliced green onions add depth and a subtle pungency. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. These additions make the salad more complex and satisfying.

Seasonings for a Balanced Flavor

To make a balanced dressing, you’ll need salt, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Salt helps keep the cucumbers crisp. Rice vinegar adds a tangy note. Sesame oil gives a rich, nutty flavor. Soy sauce adds a savory taste that complements the other ingredients.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
English or Persian cucumbers	5 medium	Base of the salad, provides crunch and freshness
Gochujang, chili oil, or crushed red pepper	1 tsp	Adds spicy kick and Asian-inspired flavor
Garlic, minced	1 clove	Provides depth and subtle pungency
Green onion, sliced	1 medium	Adds aromatic flavor and texture
Sesame seeds	1 tbsp	Contributes nutty crunch
Salt	1 tbsp	Draws out excess moisture from cucumbers
Rice vinegar	1 tbsp	Provides tangy note to the dressing
Sesame oil	1 tsp	Imparts rich, nutty flavor
Soy sauce	1 tbsp	Adds savory, umami taste to the dressing

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Cucumber Salad

Making this tasty spicy cucumber salad is easyand easy, since it only takes 15 minutes to make.You only need 7 ingredients: cucumbers, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, chili oil, and sesame seeds. This means you can make this refreshing side dish in no time.

Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by picking the best cucumbers for your salad. Mini and Persian cucumbers are great because they’re small and crunchy. English cucumbers are also good, but they’re bigger. Avoid American cucumbers because they’re too watery.

Next, slice the cucumbers thinly for extra crunch. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get even slices.Remember to salting the cucumbers after slicing. This helps remove excess moisture and keeps them crisp.

Mix the Seasonings and Sauce

While the cucumbers are getting rid of extra water, mix the seasonings and sauce. In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and chili oil until smooth. This sauce will give the cucumbers a spicy kick.

After 10 to 15 minutes, rinse the cucumbersDry them off with a paper towel or a towel.This removes the salt and gets them ready for the sauce.

Now, toss the cucumbers with the spicy sauce. Make sure each slice is coated. Add sesame seeds for crunch and looks. Serve it right away for the best taste and texture. Or, chill it for a bit before serving.

Customizations and Variations

This spicy cucumber salad recipe is super versatile. You can change it to fit your taste and diet. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Adjusting Spice Levels for a Milder Flavor

Want a less spicy salad? Just use less chili crisp or chili oil. Start with half the amount and add more until it’s right. You can also use a milder chili oil or skip it for a softer taste.

Adding an Authentic Korean Twist with Gochujang

For a Korean twist, use gochujang instead of chili crisp. This fermented chili paste adds depth and umami. It gives a spicy kick while keeping the Korean taste. Add more or less to suit your taste.

Increasing Crunch with Other Vegetables

Cucumbers are the main attraction, but you can add more crunch. Thinly sliced carrots or radishes are great. They add color and a nice snap.Try a bunch of different vegetables until you find the one you like best.

Vegetable	Texture	Flavor Profile
Carrots	Crunchy	Sweet, slightly earthy
Radishes	Crisp	Peppery, slightly bitter
Bell Peppers	Crisp, juicy	Sweet, mild

Transforming the Salad into a Complete Meal

Add your favourite protein to this salad to make it a full meal. Grilled tofu, shrimp, or chicken are great. Serve the salad with your protein for a complete and tasty dish.

The beauty of this spicy cucumber salad lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Tips for the Best Spicy Cucumber Salad

To make your spicy cucumber salad perfect every time, follow these tips. Slice the cucumbers thinly for a great crunch. You can use European, Persian, or English cucumbers for this recipe.

Before mixing, salt the cucumbers and let them sit for a few minutes. This step removes excess water, keeping the salad crisp. After salting, dry the cucumbers with a paper towel to get rid of any moisture.

The recipe has a tasty dressing with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. But feel free to add more Asian flavors. Grated ginger, miso paste, or fish sauce can enhance the dressing and make the salad even better.

If you have salad left over, store it in a jar that won’t let air in the fridge.It’s great for meals prep and stays fresh for three to four days.quick snacks.With just 48 calories, 3g of fat, 5g of carbs, and 1g of protein, it’s a healthy choice for many diets, including low-carb and keto.

FAQ

What type of cucumbers should I use for this spicy cucumber salad?

Use English, Persian, or mini cucumbers for the best taste. They have thin skin and few seeds, perfect for salads. Regular cucumbers work too, just remove the seeds before slicing.

Can I make this cucumber salad less spicy?

Yes, you can make it less spicy. Just use less chili oil, gochujang, or red pepper flakes. Start with a little and add more until it’s just right for you.

How long can I store leftover spicy cucumber salad?

Put leftovers in the fridge in a container that won’t let air in.It stays fresh for 3-4 days. But, it tastes best in the first 1-2 days.

Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?

You can prep the salad hours before, but dress it just before serving. This keeps the cucumbers crisp. Store the cucumbers and dressing separately in the fridge, then mix them when you’re ready to eat.

Is this spicy cucumber salad recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s vegan and can beNot made with gluten. Instead of soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos.Always check the labels to meet your dietary needs.

What can I serve with this spicy cucumber salad?

This salad goes well with many dishes. Try it with grilled meats, fish, or tofu for a cool contrast. It’s also great as an appetizer or snack. Pair it with rice or noodles and your favorite protein for a full meal.