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    Home » Recipes » Asian » Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

    Last Modified: March 11, 2022 - Published by: christieathome - Comments: 28 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad. A crispy, refreshing and spicy cucumber salad. Seasoned with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, green onions, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds and chili oil. Perfect as a side dish.

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

    When I was younger, cucumber was my favourite vegetable and maybe to this date! It’s crispy, crunchy and super hydrating. I love the subtle taste of this water packed vegetable and how it can easily be dressed up to be elevated in taste.

    I love this Asian cucumber dish because it’s super easy to make! If you have an Asian pantry, you’ll have most of the ingredients to make this and most of the ingredients are accessible. This sweet and spicy asian cucumber salad recipe is great served with any entrée of your choice like a tasty protein with some rice or noodles.

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

    Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad

    My Asian cucumbers recipe is so simple and swift! The only part that takes time, which is optional by the way, is making thin slices into both sides of the cucumber but again OPTIONAL! You can just quickly slice up your cucumbers as you normally would, soak them in salt then rinse with cold water a few times. Then premix your sauce, pour over top and gently mix. That it’s!

    Can I slice the cucumbers thinly without the spiral?

    Yes! Feel free to do that for this Asian spicy cucumber recipe. I just wanted to share a fun and creative way to showcase these mini cucumbers.

    What you’ll need

    For this recipe you’ll need the following Asian cucumber salad ingredients:

    • Mini cucumbers, or 6 Persian cucumbers
    • Salt, to drain water

    Sauce:

    • Regular soy sauce
    • Garlic, minced
    • Rice vinegar
    • Chili oil (store bought or check out my Chinese Chili Oil recipe)
    • Sugar
    • Sesame oil
    • Sesame seeds
    • Green onions, finely sliced
    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

    Brief Steps & Visuals

    Below are brief steps with visuals to show you how to make Asian spicy cucumber salad. Please scroll down to the recipe card below to find full instructions and details.

    Place one cucumber between two chopsticks that you don’t mind nicking up (like takeout chopsticks). Make thin diagonal slices on the top. Then flip the cucumber over and do the same on the other side. Then cut cucumber into halves. Transfer to a large bowl. *Refer to video below for better visuals. Note: Do not cut them in on a straight angle or the spiral will not work.

    Sprinkle salt over cucumbers and gently massage into them. Let cucumbers soak in salt for 5 minutes (no more than 10 minutes or they will break down). Rinse with cold water at least 3-4 times to completely remove the salt. Strain and set aside.

    Combine sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.

    Pour sauce over cucumbers and gently mix. Enjoy!

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

    Cooking Tips

    Below are tips on making this Asian spicy cucumber salad recipe:

    Use chopsticks to make spiral cucumbers

    If you want to make your cucumbers into fun spirals (optional step), use a pair of chopsticks that you don’t mind slightly nicking up, like takeaway chopsticks. Place the two sticks beside both sides of your cucumber and begin slicing on an angle with your knife (must be on an angle or it won't work otherwise). Flip over and do the same on the other side. Do it slowly and with time you’ll get faster!

    Pre-mix the sauce

    It’s always best to pre-mix your sauce before adding it to large ingredients for mixing. By pre-mixing, we are ensuring an even distribution of ingredients maximizing taste!

    Soak cucumbers in salt for extra crunchy texture!

    The longer you soak your cucumbers (no more than 10 minutes please) the crunchier and crispier they will be! Just make sure to rinse your salted cucumbers WELL! At least 3 times.

    Rinse salted cucumbers well!

    Since we’re adding more sodium, it’s super important to rinse off the salt from the cucumbers after they have been sitting in it. This step is crucial, or you will have very salty tasting cucumbers which makes me sad.

    FAQ

    Below are frequently asked questions about this Asian spicy sesame cucumber salad recipe:

    How do I make my crunchy Asian cucumber salad even crunchier?

    Salt! The longer you soak them in salt, the crunchier they will be as the salt draws the water content out of the cucumber. But don’t overdo this (10 minutes at most) or your cucumber will actually break down when you go to rinse it.

    Other side dish recipes you may like!

    If you enjoyed this cucumber salad recipe:

    Korean Cucumber Salad
    Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad
    Korean Potato Salad

    Try it!

    Well, I hope you give my Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad a try! It always excites me when you make my recipes and I hope this is one you try.

    Thanks for visiting my blog! If you enjoyed my easy Asian cucumber salad recipe, please share it with your family and friends or on social media!

    Take a picture if you've made my recipe and tag me on social media @ChristieAtHome in your feed or stories so I can share your creation in my stories with credits to you!

    Made this recipe & loved it?

    If you could leave a star rating for my authentic Asian cucumber salad, I would appreciate it 🙂 Thanks so much!

    Take care,
    Christie

    *This post for my quick Chinese cucumber salad contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from qualifying purchases through additional affiliate programs

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

    christieathome
    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad. A crispy, refreshing and spicy cucumber salad. Seasoned with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, green onions, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds and chili oil. Perfect as a side dish.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 2 as small side
    Calories per serving 144 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 Mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers
    • 2 tsp Salt to drain water

    Sauce:

    • 1 tbsp Regular soy sauce not light or dark!
    • 2 cloves Garlic minced
    • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar or white vinegar
    • 1 tbsp Chinese chili oil
    • 1 tbsp white granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp Sesame oil
    • 1 tsp Sesame seeds
    • 2 tbsp green onion finely sliced

    Instructions
     

    • Wash cucumbers and cut off the ends.
    • Place one cucumber between two chopsticks that you don’t mind nicking up (like takeout chopsticks). Make thin diagonal slices on the top. Then flip the cucumber over and do the same on the other side. Then cut cucumber into halves. Repeat for remaining cucumbers. Transfer to a large bowl. *Refer to video below for better visuals. Note: Do not cut them in on a straight angle or the spiral will not work.
    • Sprinkle salt over cucumbers and gently massage into them. Let cucumbers soak in salt for 5 minutes (no more than 10 minutes or they will break down). Rinse with cold water at least 3-4 times to completely remove the salt. Strain and set aside.
    • Combine sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.
    • Pour sauce over cucumbers and gently mix. Enjoy!

    Notes

    This cucumber salad is best consumed same day as the garlic tends to become bitter over time and the cucumber becomes more and more salty. 
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!
    Copyright PolicyPlease do not copy and paste my recipes or use my photos in your own site/blog or social media. If you use my recipe for adaptation, please provide a link back to my recipe and re-write in your own words. Thank you.

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    Santoku Knife
    Cutting Board
    Mixing bowl
    Measuring Set
    Nutrition
    Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 2834mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Chinese
    Keyword asian cucumbers recipe, asian spicy cucumber recipe, asian spicy cucumber salad recipe, asian spicy sesame cucumber salad recipe, chinese cucumber recipe, crunchy asian cucumber salad, cucumber dish, cucumber recipe, easy asian cucumber salad recipe, easy spicy cucumber salad, how to make asian spicy cucumber salad, korean cucumber salad recipe, quick chinese cucumber salad, sweet and spicy asian cucumber salad recipe
    « Crispy Soy Garlic Tofu
    Kujirai Ramen »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eti

      March 19, 2022 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      Love it !!!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 19, 2022 at 3:51 pm

        I am so happy you enjoyed my recipe! Thanks for making it! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Liz

      March 20, 2022 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      Yum!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 21, 2022 at 6:43 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it Liz! Thanks so much for your review and for making my recipe!

        Reply
    3. ThatTeowonna

      March 20, 2022 at 1:56 pm

      5 stars
      Very good! This was my first time using chili oil. This one had whole peanuts in it. Pretty darn good. Since I’ve recently fallen in love with avocado, I add a whole avocado after the sauce soaked into the cucumbers. Very good! Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. Thanks for this awesome recipe. A great addition to Korean night at our house.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 21, 2022 at 6:44 pm

        I am so happy to read this and glad you enjoyed it! How exciting for your first time using chili oil, isn't it such a wonderful ingredient. The avocado addition sounds amazing as well! Thanks for making my recipe 🙂

        Reply
    4. Nancy

      March 27, 2022 at 9:01 am

      How do you make this ahead?

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 28, 2022 at 2:25 pm

        You can make it one day ahead but just note that there will be more water content the next day since the soy sauce is high in sodium forcing more water out from the cucumber as days pass.

        Reply
    5. Elly

      March 28, 2022 at 11:38 pm

      5 stars
      so yummy and best of all easy to make!!!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 29, 2022 at 11:38 am

        Thrilled to read this! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for making my recipe Elly!

        Reply
    6. Sylvia

      March 29, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      Hi! Really want to try this but worried it might be too spicy 🙁 is there anything I can use to substitute for the chilli oil? Thanks!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        March 30, 2022 at 11:30 am

        Hi there! I would recommend omitting the chili oil altogether and if needed, add more soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar to your sauce prior to adding to the cucumbers. Hope this helps!

        Reply
    7. D. Jay

      April 02, 2022 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      The allure of this dish was instant. I was looking for a side dish to accompany some marinated (lime juice, smashed garlic cloves and sea salt) chicken thighs I was going to grill and “bang” this was it. So easy to make and delicious! Even the chili oil went unnoticed by a partner who usually avoids spicy food. Make it, enjoy it. It’s a winner!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 04, 2022 at 7:42 pm

        Thank you so much for making my recipe and I'm so glad you enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of this dish! I truly appreciate your kind review on my blog and I hope you have a fantastic day 🙂

        Reply
    8. J L

      April 03, 2022 at 5:36 am

      5 stars
      Mmmm, so good!
      Happy to find this recipe.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 04, 2022 at 7:40 pm

        Thank you for making my recipe! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Have a lovely day.

        Reply
    9. Veronica

      April 08, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delish!!! I knew I’d love it so I doubled the recipe. GONE! Now I need more cucumbers! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 12, 2022 at 2:15 pm

        Thank you so much for making my recipe! So glad you enjoyed it well 🙂

        Reply
    10. LLL

      April 11, 2022 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for the first time today and it was a big hit with my kids. My 12 year old son asked when he can have it again. Thanks for the wonderful recipe.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 12, 2022 at 2:15 pm

        I'm so glad you and your kids enjoyed it! Thank you so much for making my recipe 🙂

        Reply
    11. Lizzie

      May 15, 2022 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!!! Very easy to make. I did half sugar and left out sesame oil because my boyfriend doesn’t like it - and it is addicting!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 16, 2022 at 12:01 pm

        Hi Lizzie, thank you so much for making my recipe and I'm so glad you enjoyed my cucumber salad! Have a great day! - Christie

        Reply
    12. Trina

      July 30, 2022 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Made this with zucchini was fantastic. I also added some diced Asian pear. My new fav salad.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        August 03, 2022 at 12:25 pm

        Thanks so much for making my recipe Trina! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    13. Renee

      November 01, 2022 at 11:27 am

      5 stars
      Made this to have with some pan fried gyoza. It’s absolutely delicious! so full of flavour, especially with homemade chilli oil. Will make this again and again. Thank you!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        November 01, 2022 at 3:37 pm

        So happy to read this kind comment! Happy to hear you enjoyed it with some delicious gyoza, Renee! Thanks for making my recipe 🙂

        Reply
    14. Atlas

      November 13, 2022 at 3:43 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely amazing! Talk about an explosion of flavors in your mouth, the sugar balances the spic e from chili oil perfectly. My husband loved it so much, that he drizzled the sauce over his grilled chicken as well. Thank you for sharing Christie, we can’t wait to try more of your recipes.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        November 14, 2022 at 11:26 am

        Thanks so much for sharing your kind review Atlas! So glad you and your husband both enjoyed my recipe so much! I hope you enjoy my other recipes as well 🙂 Have a lovely day!

        Reply

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    Christie

    Christie is an Asian Recipe Blogger sharing delicious recipes that you can make at home! Her goal is to make Asian cooking approachable and less intimidating. With a social media following of over 500k, she has been featured on Buzz Feed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn and more! Christie's recipes have been made over and over again by her loyal readers.

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