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!

Asian Cucumber Salad
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

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