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About This Recipe
Have you tried this viral recipe that is taking the internet by storm? This Viral Asian Cucumber Salad is a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing! It’s made with crunchy cucumber, a zesty salad dressing, and can be made mild or spicy based on your heat preference.
This delicious salad is great for adding to recipes like my teriyaki chicken rice bowls or salmon sushi bowls for some extra crunch! It can also be served as the perfect side dish for my baked sushi cups or enjoyed as a refreshing afternoon snack!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
- The infamous tiktok viral recipe everyone is going crazy over!
- Can be enjoyed as a mild or spicy asian cucumber salad! Easily adjust spice levels based on preference.
- Quick and easy to make! Only 5 minutes worth of prep work.
- This easy cucumber salad is full of BIG FLAVORS! It’s a perfect snack or a nice addition to your favorite sushi bowl!
- Made with fresh cucumbers, toasted sesame and kickin’ chili peppers!
- Cucumbers: Thin-skinned cucumbers like Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers or baby cucumbers work best!
- Green onion
- Garlic
- Rice vinegar: you can use seasoned or regular rice vinegar. Seasoned will give this salad the most flavor!
- Low-sodium soy sauce: you can also use coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Toasted sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
- Sugar: I used granulated sugar but you can use honey, maple syrup or your favorite alternative sweetener of choice!
- Gochugaru crushed chili pepper: or red pepper flakes work fine!
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Wash cucumbers and dry them well. Slice cucumber about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick (or to preference).
2. If time allows, add cucumber slices to a colander with 1/2 tsp salt and place a plate underneath. Let sit for 30 minutes (this will help remove excess water & make them crunchier). After, lightly rinse and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Whisk the green onions, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sugar and Gochugaru flakes in a bowl. Start with about 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes for mild heat and add more as desired.
4. Add the cucumbers and toss to evenly coat. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top + any herbs you have on hand if desired and enjoy!
Store this cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Helpful Tips
- Salt cucumbers: if time allows, sprinkle your cut cucumbers with a tiny bit of salt cucumbers and let sit for 30 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture and makes your cucumbers extra crunchy!
- Use smooth-skinned cucumbers: for best flavor and texture, use cucumbers with thin skin like Persian or english cucumbers.
- Toast sesame seeds: lightly toast your sesame seeds in a small pan for optimal flavor!!
What type of cucumbers work best for this recipe?
I recommend using thin-skinned, smooth, seedless cucumbers like Persian or English Cucumbers for the least bitterness and best flavor. Waxy cucumbers or bumpy cucumber will work but I would recommend peeling them first.
Why do you add salt to the cucumbers?
Salting the cucumber before seasoning helps release some of the excess liquid. It prevents the salad from being watery which can dilute the flavor. It also helps make the cucumbers crunchier.
How spicy is this fresh asian cucumber salad?
This cucumber salad can be as mild or spicy as you prefer. For mild heat, use about 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes. For a spicier salad, add more as desired.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Asian Cucumber Salad (Spicy or Mild)
Ingredients
- 6 Persian/baby cucumbers ~1 lb.
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (15g)
- 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (15g)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil (15g)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ to 2 tsp Gochugaru crushed chili pepper or red pepper flakes
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Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and dry them well. Slice thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick (or to preference).
- If time allows, add cucumbers to a colander with 1/2 tsp salt and place a plate underneath. Let sit for 30 minutes (this will help water escape & make them crunchier). After, lightly rinse and pat dry with a towel.
- Whisk the green onion, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sugar and Gochugaru flakes in a bowl. Start with about 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes for mild heat and add more as desired.
- Add the cucumbers and toss to evenly coat.
- Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top + any herbs you have on hand if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Salt cucumbers: if time allows, sprinkle your cut cucumbers with a tiny bit of salt cucumbers and let sit for 30 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture and makes your cucumbers extra crunchy!
- Use smooth-skinned cucumbers: for best flavor and texture, use cucumbers with thin skin like Persian or english cucumbers.
- Toast sesame seeds: lightly toast your sesame seeds in a small pan for optimal flavor!!
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
