Zingy Asian Cucumber Salad A 15Minute Wonder
Zingy Asian Cucumber Salad A 15minute Wonder
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 80 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a refreshing, Healthy Asian Cucumber Dish that's ready in minutes? Honestly, this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is so good, it’s criminal! It’s got a lovely tang, a little sweetness, and that satisfying crunch.
Brief Overview
This style of Asian Cooking often features fresh ingredients. This recipe is super simple. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to chill.
The Quick cucumber salad recipe yields 4 servings.
Main Benefits
Cucumbers are mostly water. That makes this salad super hydrating. This salad is perfect for a summer BBQ. What makes this recipe special? It’s quick, easy, and so tasty.
I once made it for a picky eater. They loved it!
Time to Gather Your Ingredients
First, grab 2 large cucumbers. Thinly slice them. Next, you'll need 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Don't forget 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds! To toast them, just pop them in a dry pan until golden.
Watch out that they don't burn!
Dressing It Up: The Secret Sauce
Now, for the dressing. You'll need 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Then add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. A tablespoon of sugar goes in next.
Also add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Finally, mince 1 clove of garlic, and add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.
Spicy Cucumber Salad is always a hit!
Putting It All Together
Place the cucumber and onion in a bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients together. Pour it over the salad. Toss gently.
If you have time, chill it for 15 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds. This simple Cucumber salad with rice vinegar is just great.
Tips and Tricks
For extra crispy cucumbers, try salting them first. Let them sit for 15 minutes. It draws out the water. Don't overdress the salad.
Start with a little dressing. Add more to taste. It's also a great option for Healthy Meal Prep , but it's best eaten fresh.
I find this salad complements grilled meats. It's lovely with fish too. It will also work with Cucumber Edamame Asian Salad .
I once forgot the ginger. It still tasted good, but the ginger really makes it pop.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Zingy Asian Cucumber Salad
Right, let's talk shop about what you need for this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad . Don't worry, it's not rocket science.
This Healthy Asian Cucumber Dish is so simple. It’s even easier than putting up that wonky shelf you've been avoiding.
Main Ingredients: Cucumber Power!
- Cucumbers: You'll need 2 large cucumbers (about 1 lb / 450g ). Seriously, the fresher the better. I prefer English or Persian cucumbers. They’ve got thinner skins.
- Red Onion: Grab 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion (US: 4 tbsp / Metric: about 40 ml ). Red onion adds a nice bite.
- Sesame Seeds: We're talking 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, toasted (US: 1 tbsp / Metric: about 15 ml ). Toasting is key. It brings out their nutty flavour. Don't skip this step!
- Edamame : For a Cucumber Edamame Asian Salad , add 1 cup shelled edamame. It makes it even healthier and adds protein
Seasoning: The Flavour Bomb
- The Dressing: This is where the magic happens.
- Rice Vinegar: You need 3 tablespoons (US: 3 tbsp / Metric: about 45 ml ). This is your tangy base.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (low sodium is best!) (US: 2 tbsp / Metric: about 30 ml ). This adds the umami.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (US: 1 tbsp / Metric: about 15 ml ). Balances the acidity.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (US: 1 tbsp / Metric: about 15 ml ). This is essential for that authentic Asian flavour.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (US: 1 tsp / Metric: about 5 ml ). Adds a lovely warmth.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced (US: 1 clove / Metric: about 2g ). Don't be shy with the garlic!
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) (US: 1/4 tsp / Metric: about 1.25 ml ). For a bit of heat. If you want a Spicy Cucumber Salad , add more!.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch.
You can sub rice vinegar with white wine vinegar. Soy sauce? Tamari works too. This Quick cucumber salad recipe is really forgiving.
You know I love to try other things and make substitutions!
Equipment: Keep it Simple
- Cutting Board: Obviously!
- Sharp Knife: No explanation needed.
- Large Bowl: For tossing the salad.
- Small Bowl or Jar: For mixing the dressing. I use a jar; easy to shake it all up.
- Whisk or Fork: For the dressing. A fork does the trick just fine.
Honestly, that's it. Nothing fancy. This Healthy Meal Prep recipe is about deliciousness, not complicated gadgets.
Okay, now you know exactly what you need to make this banging Asian side dish recipes ! Let’s get cooking! I'm excited for you to experience this Refreshing summer salads !.
Also works greatly as a Korean cucumber salad recipe , so what's not to love? and the rice vinegar is a must in this amazing Cucumber salad with rice vinegar .
Whip Up This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad!
Alright, let's get down to business! This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is seriously the bomb. It's like a ray of sunshine in a bowl, perfect for those days when you can't be bothered with anything too complicated.
Think of it as a healthy Asian cucumber dish , a lighter cousin of your usual suspects. I swear, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
Before you even think about wielding a knife, get your ingredients ready. Thinly slice 2 large cucumbers and 1/4 cup of red onion.
Trust me; having everything prepped makes this quick cucumber salad recipe even quicker. For a little pro tip, I like to get the dressing components ready at the same time.
It’s like a healthy meal prep hack!
Let's Get Cracking: The Salad Assembly Line
- Slice those cucumbers thinly. A mandoline is a great helper, but be careful!
- Thinly slice the red onion. The thinner, the better, I promise.
- Chuck the cucumbers and onions into a large bowl.
- Whisk together your dressing. This involves 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of ginger, 1 clove of garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of kick).
- Pour that delicious dressing over your salad.
- Give it a gentle toss.
- Chill for 15 minutes (optional).
- Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and serve.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Want to take your spicy cucumber salad to the next level? Toast those sesame seeds! It brings out their nutty flavour.
Seriously, it's a game changer. Also, don't drown the cucumbers in dressing. No one likes a soggy salad. If you want to transform it to Cucumber Edamame Asian Salad add that ingredient during the ingredients preparation.
Sometimes, I make the dressing a day ahead for even better flavour, then its a great Asian cooking technique. But honestly, this Asian side dish recipes is best fresh.
It's great alongside some grilled chicken or fish. A proper refreshing summer salad ! Also you can try this Korean cucumber salad recipe .
Finally is a perfect salad with cucumber salad with rice vinegar .
Recipe Notes for Your Zingy Asian Cucumber Salad
So, you’re about to whip up this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad ? Ace! Here are some extra pointers to make your experience even better.
These are things I've learned along the way, and honestly, they make a massive difference.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy!
This Healthy Asian Cucumber Dish isn't just a side; it’s a statement. For plating, try arranging the cucumber slices artfully.
You know, not just chucked in a bowl. Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for a final flourish. Consider serving alongside grilled salmon, a proper barbecue, or even just some plain rice.
It brings a fresh vibe to any Asian Cooking adventure. It's also incredible with a Cucumber Edamame Asian Salad to boost the protein! For drinks, a crisp lager or a refreshing glass of iced green tea goes down a treat.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
This Spicy Cucumber Salad is best served fresh, but life happens. If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container.
Fridge life is about two days max, but honestly, it's never lasted that long in my house. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the cucumbers will go all soggy, and nobody wants a soggy cucumber, do they? When reheating, well, you don't! It's a cold salad.
But if you took it out of the fridge, ensure is back in a good temperature for consumption.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a change? For a healthy meal prep friendly version, add edamame for extra protein. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of chili oil for an extra kick.
And for those watching their diet, you can swap the sugar for a calorie free sweetener. If cucumbers aren't your thing (blasphemy!), use zucchini or summer squash.
A Quick cucumber salad recipe can be more flexible than you think!. Try a Korean cucumber salad recipe if you're feeling adventurous.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This salad is mostly water, so it's super hydrating. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in vitamins. Plus, the sesame oil adds a dose of healthy fats.
Think of this refreshing summer salads as a tasty way to get your greens! Each serving is about 80 calories, so you can enjoy it without any guilt.
Adding Cucumber salad with rice vinegar is a great way to boost flavour without adding too many calories.
So there you have it! My ramblings on this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad . Give it a go, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Cooking should be a laugh, not a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
This salad is best served fresh, like a pint on a sunny afternoon! While you can make it ahead, the cucumbers might release moisture and become a bit watery. If you need to prep in advance, consider slicing the cucumbers and making the dressing separately, then combining them just before serving to keep things crisp.
What if I don't have rice vinegar for this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad recipe?
No rice vinegar? No worries, mate! You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that these substitutes may have a slightly different flavor profile than rice vinegar, so start with a little less and adjust to taste.
You want that tangy zing, not something that tastes like you are cleaning your windows.
How do I make this Asian Cucumber Salad spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick? You can easily spice up your Asian Cucumber Salad! Add more red pepper flakes to the dressing, a dash of sriracha or even a finely chopped chili pepper like a birds eye. Taste as you go though, you don't want to blow your head off! Start small and work your way up to your preferred level of heat.
What are the best cucumbers to use for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?
English or Persian cucumbers are excellent choices for this salad. They have thin skins, small seeds, and a mild flavour, so you don’t even need to peel them. If you’re using regular cucumbers, peeling them is optional, but consider removing the seeds if they are large and bitter.
This ensures you get the best texture and taste in your salad nobody wants a mouthful of seedy bitterness!
How long will this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad last in the fridge?
Ideally, this salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of making it. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be aware that the cucumbers will release moisture over time, making the salad a bit less crisp.
Give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and bring it back to life!
Can I add protein to this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad to make it a meal?
Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic base for adding protein. Try tossing in some cooked and chilled edamame, grilled tofu, shredded chicken, or even shrimp. For a vegetarian option, sprinkle on some roasted chickpeas or nuts for a satisfying crunch and added protein.
It's a great way to turn a simple side dish into a light and tasty lunch!
