I love cucumber, but there are only so many ways that you can prepare it. You can add it to salads, or pickle it… but did you know that cucumbers are a great side dish when you dress it up just a little?

With common ingredients that you have in your pantry – like garlic, chili flakes, oil, soy sauce, sugar, sesame, vinegar – you can make a very simple Asian Cucumber Salad.

The flavor of this Asian recipe is very subtle, with just enough spiciness for a kick. Eat it over rice or by itself. It’s seriously delicious. I made it recently during one of our fridge cleanouts. You can use a normal cucumber, but for a better crunch, I’d recommend a mini cucumber or an English cucumber.

So yummy. I hope you’ll enjoy it too!

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Asian Cucumber Salad

A light refreshing cucumber salad with an Asian twist. Great for a side dish or served with rice.

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Keyword Cucumber Recipes

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

1 cucumber
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Dressing

2 garlic cloves, minced finely
1 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp sesame seeds
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Cucumber

Chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. (I sliced it in half horizontally, then halved each half, and then chopped it into 1-inch chunks).
Add cucumber to a bowl and sprinkle the salt on top. Mix together. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Make the Dressing

Combine the minced garlic and chili flakes. (Place in a dish that can withstand hot oil.)
Add oil to a saucepan and heat until it's hot. Add the hot oil over the minced garlic and chili flakes. It will sizzle.
Add soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Mix until well combined.

Assembly!

Drain the water from the cucumber bowl. Add the dressing to bowl and mix well.
Enjoy!

Notes

I prefer using English cucumbers or Mini Cucumbers for this recipe. They have a better crunch.