Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 cucumbers
- 3 tsp salt
Marinade
- 3 tsp granulated white sugar
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tsp rice vinegar
- 3 tsp chili oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients necessary for the Asian cucumber salad to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil until fully mixed. Set this marinade aside.
- Prepare Cucumbers: Cut off both ends of each cucumber. Place one cucumber between a pair of chopsticks to prevent slicing all the way through.
- Create Spiral Cuts: Make diagonal cuts down the length of the cucumber, stopping at the chopsticks. Flip the cucumber over and make straight cuts across the uncut side, then repeat for all cucumbers to form the iconic spiral shape.
- Salt and Massage: Place the spiral cut cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and gently massage to help draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt and then pat them dry quickly with paper towels.
- Marinate Cucumbers: Pour the prepared marinade over the cucumber spirals and toss gently until they are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Asian cucumber salad is now ready to serve as a refreshing side dish or snack.
Notes
- Using chopsticks while slicing the cucumber helps create the unique spiral without cutting all the way through.
- Massaging the cucumbers with salt draws out excess water, keeping the salad crispier.
- Adjust the chili oil amount according to your preferred spice level.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
