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Asian Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring spiral-cut cucumbers, a spicy dressing, and a satisfying crunch, perfect to complement any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 75

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 units Persian cucumbers For best crunch, use Persian cucumbers.
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce Use high-quality soy sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil Nutty flavor enhances the dressing.
  • 2 cloves garlic Crushed or minced for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil Use crunchy garlic chili oil for texture.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey Balances heat and sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon MSG or mushroom powder Optional umami enhancer.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Salt the cucumbers and let them sweat for 10 minutes before rinsing.
  2. Spiral cut the cucumbers using chopsticks as guards to prevent cutting through.
  3. Alternatively, smash and roughly chop the cucumbers for a rustic style.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed garlic, chili oil, sugar/honey, and MSG/mushroom powder until well combined.
Assembly
  1. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat well.
  2. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers without soft spots. This salad pairs well with a variety of proteins such as fried chicken, beef, or seafood.