Healthy / Salad
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
A crunchy, spicy, and tangy side salad made with spiralized or sliced cucumbers marinated in a sesame-chili dressing.
Watch it madeRecipeTin Eats · 1:41
Ingredients
- English Cucumbers2 large
- Soy Sauce2 tbsp
- Rice Vinegar1 tbsp
- Sesame Oil1 tsp
- Chili Oil or Flakes1 tsp
- Sesame Seeds1 tbsp
- Green Onions2 stalks
Method
- Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or knife. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to draw out excess moisture for 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, sugar, and minced garlic.
- Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers and toss well to coat every slice.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Common questions
Can I substitute regular cucumbers for English cucumbers in this salad?
Yes, but peel them if the skin is thick and scoop out large seeds if needed. Regular cucumbers release more water, so salting and draining them well is especially important to keep the salad crisp, not watery.
How long should I salt the cucumbers, and can I skip that step?
Salt them for about 10 minutes, then drain. Skipping this step usually leaves extra liquid in the bowl, which dilutes the dressing and makes the cucumbers soggy. If you want maximum crunch, lightly pat them dry too.
What are the most common mistakes when making spicy cucumber salad?
The biggest mistakes are not draining the cucumbers, using too much dressing, and serving it too late. Also avoid over-salting at the start, since soy sauce adds saltiness already. Taste before adding any extra salt.
How far ahead can I make this salad, and how should I store leftovers?
Best eaten within 1–2 hours for the crunchiest texture, but leftovers keep in the fridge for about 2 days. Store in an airtight container and expect more liquid to collect as it sits. Stir before serving.
What can I serve with spicy Asian cucumber salad?
It works well as a cooling side with grilled chicken, salmon, teriyaki dishes, noodles, rice bowls, or dumplings. For a fuller salad, add edamame, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced red onion right before serving.