Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
This spicy Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that's perfect for a hot summer day. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers, red chili, garlic, and a simple dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, agave nectar, and sriracha sauce. The salad is marinated in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to absorb the dressing. Before serving, the salad is sprinkled with sesame seeds and garnished with green onion.
This recipe has its roots in the Sichuan province of China, where spicy and flavorful dishes are a staple. The salad is thought to have originated as a way to use up leftover cucumbers and other vegetables. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, including red chili, garlic, and a simple dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Today, the salad is a popular side dish throughout China and is also enjoyed in many other parts of the world.
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 red chili, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red chili, and garlic.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, agave nectar, and sriracha sauce.
  3. Pour dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onion.
Why It Works
  • The thin slicing of the cucumbers ensures even cooking and allows the dressing to penetrate the flesh.
  • The red chili adds a touch of heat to the salad, while the garlic provides a savory flavor.
  • The dressing is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
  • Marinating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to absorb the dressing.
  • The sesame seeds and green onion add a touch of crunch and freshness to the salad.