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Spicy Cucumber Salad

Spicy Cucumber Salad
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5.1 from 23 reviews

This easy and refreshing Spicy Cucumber Salad features crunchy mini cucumbers tossed in a savory and spicy dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, chili oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Perfect as a quick side dish or appetizer, it's light, flavorful, and vegan-friendly, with a gluten-free option by substituting tamari for soy sauce.

Ingredients

Cucumbers

  • 5 to 6 (1 lb / 450 g) mini cucumbers
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon light soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon white toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cucumbers: Cut and discard the ends of the cucumbers. Place one cucumber between two disposable chopsticks and make thin diagonal slices at a 45-degree angle. Flip the cucumber over and repeat the slicing. Halve the cucumber crosswise, then repeat with the remaining cucumbers. Transfer all slices to a large bowl.
  2. Salt and drain: Sprinkle the cucumbers with 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss thoroughly with your hands. Let sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess water. Then rinse cucumbers to remove the salt, discard the water, and drain thoroughly. Lightly pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, light soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, chili oil, and toasted sesame seeds until well combined.
  4. Toss and serve: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the cucumbers and mix well. If not serving immediately, the cucumbers will release water; be sure to drain the liquid before tossing with dressing again. Serve at room temperature as a fresh appetizer or side dish.

Notes

  • To make this salad gluten-free, substitute tamari sauce for light soy sauce.
  • Adjust chili oil quantity to control the spice level.
  • Serve immediately or keep chilled but drain excess water before serving again to maintain crispness.
  • This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made for optimal freshness and crunch.
  • Use mini cucumbers for best texture; regular cucumbers can be substituted but may be less crisp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/spicy-cucumber-salad/