Asian Cucumber Salad – Experience the invigorating and tangy taste of our Asian Cucumber Salad, a dish, for any occasion. This delightful salad effortlessly combines the crunchiness of cucumbers with an aromatic dressing making it an excellent accompaniment or a light meal on its own. The key ingredients, which include cucumbers, red onion, and a flavorful dressing made from rice vinegar, oil, and soy sauce blend harmoniously to create flavors that are both satisfying and nourishing.
The first time I prepared this Asian Cucumber Salad was a decision to explore something new for our family dinner. I can still recall the expression on my husband’s face and how my usually salad-wary child eagerly asked for seconds. Since then it has become a cherished favorite among our family members—a choice for warm summer evenings or as an exquisite complement to a substantial main course.
What makes this Asian Cucumber Salad truly special?
What sets apart this Asian Cucumber Salad is its balance of flavors and textures. The dressing incorporates a combination of sweetness, sourness and umami undertones that elevate the crispness of the cucumbers and the pungency of the red onions. Its preparation is incredibly effortless with prep time involved—providing you with a wholesome addition, to your meal. Moreover, it has the flexibility to complement types of meals such, as grilled meats or rice dishes.
What You Need To Make This Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe?
Rice Vinegar: Not just any vinegar, this is the secret to the salad’s light and zesty character. It’s like a splash of sunshine, brightening up all the other flavors.
Sugar: A little sweet whisper that calms the tanginess of the vinegar. It’s like a mediator, ensuring all flavors play nicely together.
Sesame Oil: Think of this as the mysterious background artist. Its nutty, rich aroma doesn’t scream for attention but you’d miss it if it wasn’t there, quietly tying all the flavors together.
Soy Sauce: This is where the depth comes from. It’s like the bass in a song, adding that essential undercurrent of savory umami.
Minced Garlic: Freshly minced for that punchy, bold taste. It’s the ingredient that says, “Hey, wake up, taste this!”
Minced Fresh Ginger Root: This isn’t just about flavor, it’s about adding a zingy, peppery spark that makes your taste buds dance.
Sesame Seeds: These little guys are more than just a garnish. They bring a toasty, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cucumbers.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of drama! Just enough heat to make things interesting without stealing the show.
Cucumbers: The star of our show. Crisp, fresh, and hydrating, they carry the flavors beautifully, like a crisp breeze on a warm day.
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Red Onion: Adds a splash of color and a sharp, slightly sweet bite. It’s the element of surprise in every mouthful.
Steps To Make Asian Cucumber Salad:
Step 1: In a mixing bowl of your choice whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce until the sugar completely dissolves. The delightful scent of oil combined with garlic and ginger is truly heavenly.
Step 2: Add in the garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. This is where the magic happens. Each ingredient brings its flavor to create a symphony of taste.
Step 3: Gently mix in the cucumbers and red onion. They will gradually absorb all the flavors of the dressing.
Step 4: Remember to be patient! Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This waiting period allows all the flavors to blend together making every bite a culinary experience.
Tip:
Before you add the cucumbers to the salad it’s worth giving them a bit of attention. Follow the slicing instructions. Then toss them with a pinch of salt. Let them sit in a colander for around 10 to 15 minutes. This helps remove any water from the cucumbers ensuring that your salad remains fresh and avoids becoming watery especially if you plan to store it in the fridge for some time. Once drained gently pat dry the cucumber slices using a paper towel. This additional step enhances the crunchiness of the cucumbers. Allows them to absorb all those flavors from the dressing resulting in each bite of your Asian Cucumber Salad being delightfully crispy and full of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this salad in advance. In fact, it becomes more delicious as the flavors have a chance to meld together.
What can I pair this salad with?
This salad goes well with grilled meats and stir-fries. You can enjoy it on its own as a refreshing dish.
How long can I store this salad in the fridge?
If you store this salad in the refrigerator it will stay fresh for 2 days. This makes it an ideal option, for meal prepping purposes.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 c rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger root
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cucumbers halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced
- 1/2 c red onion chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix in garlic, minced ginger, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Add sliced cucumbers. Chopped onion, to the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Place the salad, in the refrigerator for 2 hours so that all the flavors blend well and the vegetables soak up the dressing.
- Once chilled give it a toss. Serve cold. Enjoy your Asian Cucumber Salad!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
