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–+ servings
Viral Asian Cucumber Salad

Viral Asian Cucumber Salad That Bursts with Flavor

This Viral Asian Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish with a spicy sesame-soy dressing, ideal for impressing guests.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 pieces English Cucumbers Stays crunchy and crisp; no peeling is necessary!
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated White Sugar Balances tartness with sweetness; can swap for honey if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds Adds a delightful nutty flair; feel free to omit if nut-free.
  • 2 cloves Crushed Garlic Provides savory depth; fresh garlic is best for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onion Adds a fresh, aromatic touch; chives work in a pinch.
For the Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Infuses umami and saltiness; use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Brings brightness; apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Oil Adds a spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Essential for that authentic Asian flavor; modify to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors while drawing moisture from cucumbers; rinse thoroughly post-salting.

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • Chopsticks
  • Towel

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated white sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion. Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil, blending until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Cut the Cucumbers: Take your English cucumbers and trim off the ends. Position each cucumber between two chopsticks to create an accordion cut effect, making diagonal slices along the length of the cucumber at regular intervals.
  3. Salt the Cucumbers: Place the spiral-cut cucumbers into a large mixing bowl, sprinkling them with salt to draw out moisture. Gently massage the salt into the cucumbers and let them sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Rinse and Combine: Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt and pat them dry. Drizzle in your prepared dressing and toss everything together until coated.
  5. Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 10 minutes for the best flavor experience. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For deeper flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours. Adjust sweetness and heat to your taste.

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