Today, I’m excited to share with you a refreshingly delightful recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen – an Asian Cucumber Salad. I am a sucker for Asian flavors and love the umami taste. I had seen a lot of different recipes pop up on my Instagram feed of Asian-style Spicy Cucumber Salad. I had to try it and give it my own spin. Since the shortage of Sriracha sauce, I have been using gochujang paste a lot in my Asian-style recipes. I made the Spicy Cucumber Salad with Gochujang paste and loved the flavor combination. It gave the sauce a more robust taste and feel. The best part was that my daughter loved this Asian-style Spicy Cucumber salad. So, it has become a part of our cooking and meal-prepping repertoire.
With just a handful of ingredients, including 5 Persian cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber), minced garlic, and a few Asian pantry staples, you can whip up this dish in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish to complement your meal or a light and healthy snack, this Asian Cucumber Salad has got you covered.
This recipe is incredibly easy to customize to your taste – whether you want to kick up the heat with some optional chili flakes or add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra touch of nuttiness.
Join me in the kitchen as we create this Asian-inspired culinary masterpiece. It’s a simple, yet incredibly flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household too. Let’s get started.
Ingredients used to make Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad recipe
- 5 Persian Cucumbers (or 1 large English Cucumber)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon gochujang paste (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ½ teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (green and white parts)
How to make Asian Style Cucumber Salad
Follow these steps to make this Asian Cucumber Salad:
- Wash and cut the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Place the cut cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and set it in the refrigerator for 1 -2 hours. The cucumber slices will release water. Discard this water by straining the cucumber slices. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP OR YOUR SALAD WILL BE WATERY.
- In another bowl combine garlic, soy sauce, gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, oil, sugar, and chili flakes. Combine well to make a sauce.
- Add the cucumber slices to the sauce and mix well. Add the sesame seeds and green onions and toss.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to serving. The salad will stay crunchy in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Recipe tips to make Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Follow these valuable tips to make the best version of this spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe:
- I like the size and taste of Persian cucumbers for this salad, but if you are unable to find them in your supermarket, you can use English Cucumbers. DO NOT peel the cucumbers.
- It is important to salt the cucumber and let it rest for 1 hour. The salt brings out the cucumber water which you should discard. If you skip this step, you will risk making your salad watery.
- Taste the dressing once it’s combined and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Gochujang is a very important ingredient in Korean cooking. It is a spicy sweet red paste made from red chili pepper flakes, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It can be easily found in most grocery stores. If you have a hard time sourcing it, you can substitute any other Asian-style hot sauce, just know that the taste will be different.
- To make the salad look fancy, you can cut the cucumbers at an angle.
FAQs- Spicy Cucumber Salad
Yes, with no animal products, this Spicy cucumber Salad recipe is vegan friendly.
Soy sauce has gluten, but if you replace it with tamari, this salad can easily be made gluten-free.
Yes, you can omit the extra oil in the recipe. It will make the salad low-fat but not fat-free as gochujang paste has some oil in it.
The spicy cucumber salad tastes best after 1-2 hours of refrigeration. It gives the flavors a chance to meld and marinate the cucumber. The salad however stays crunchy for up to 24 hours.
Other quick salad recipes to try
Recipe Card- Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Indulge in the flavors of Asia with our Asian Cucumber Salad recipe. Featuring Persian cucumbers, gochujang paste, soy sauce, and more, this salad is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy. A refreshing side dish perfect for any occasion.
4
servings15
minutes2 hours
Ingredients
5 Persian Cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon Gochujang paste
2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Cooking oil (or toasted sesame oil)
1 teaspoon Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame seeds
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Method
- Wash and cut the cucumbers into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place the cut cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and set it in the refrigerator for 1 -2 hours. The cucumber slices will release water. Discard this water by straining the cucumber slices. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP OR YOUR SALAD WILL BE WATERY.
- In another bowl combine garlic, soy sauce, gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, oil, sugar, and chili flakes. Combine well to make a sauce. Add the cucumber slices to the sauce and mix well. Add the sesame seeds and green onions and toss.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to serving. The salad will stay crunchy in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Recipe Video
Tips
- I like the size and taste of Persian cucumbers for this salad, but if you are unable to find it in your supermarket, you can use English Cucumbers. DO NOT peel the cucumbers.
- It is important to salt the cucumber and let it rest for 1 hour. The salt brings out the cucumber water which you should discard. If you skip this step, you will risk making your salad watery.
- Taste the dressing once it’s combined and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Gochujang is a very important ingredient in Korean cooking. It is a spicy sweet red paste made from red chili pepper flakes, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It can be easily found in most grocery stores. If you have a hard time sourcing it, you can substitute any other Asian style hot sauce, just know that the taste will be different.
- To make the salad look fancy, you can cut the cucumbers at an angle.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating the Asian Cucumber Salad into your culinary repertoire is a decision you won’t regret. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, spicy gochujang, and umami-rich soy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s both refreshing and tantalizing to the taste buds. This salad is not only a delicious addition to any meal but also a healthy and hydrating option for those hot summer days. Experiment with the spice level by adjusting the gochujang and chili flakes to your liking, and feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a new and exciting salad recipe, this one is a winner.
