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- Cucumbers: 3 medium cucumbers - Dressing Components: - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon sugar - Garnishes: - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) You start with three medium cucumbers. I love using fresh, crunchy cucumbers for their crisp texture. Next, gather the dressing components. You need sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, and sugar. These ingredients make a rich, zesty sauce. For garnishes, I suggest sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. They add a nice touch. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. This salad brings a balance of flavors and textures that you will enjoy. 1. Start by washing the cucumbers. Rinse them under cold water. 2. Cut off both ends of the cucumbers. Slice them into thin rounds or half-moons. Choose whichever you like best. 3. Place the cucumber slices in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps draw out excess water. 4. After 15 minutes, rinse the cucumbers with cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. 5. In a bowl, whisk together: - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon chili paste - 1 teaspoon sugar Mix until the sugar dissolves and everything combines well. 1. Now, add the dry cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. 2. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly in the sauce. Make sure each slice gets some flavor. 3. Next, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the cucumbers. If you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Toss lightly once more to mix. 1. Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld together. 2. Finally, transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. Enjoy your fresh and zesty delight! To make your cucumbers nice and crisp, slicing is key. Use a sharp knife to cut them into thin rounds or half-moons. Thin pieces soak up the dressing well and give a great crunch. Salting cucumbers is crucial. After slicing, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This draws out extra water, making them crunchier. After 15 minutes, rinse and pat them dry to remove excess salt and moisture. You can control the heat in your salad by adjusting the chili paste. Start with one teaspoon, then taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili paste a little at a time. For a milder flavor, replace chili paste with a small amount of sweet chili sauce. This keeps some sweetness while lowering heat. You can also skip the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat at all. To boost flavors, consider adding extra ingredients. Thinly sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots add color and crunch. Chopped green onions also bring a fresh taste. Herbs and spices can elevate the dish. Fresh mint or basil gives a nice twist. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder for an aromatic kick. Each addition can make your salad unique and exciting! {{image_2}} For a fun twist, try adding more than just cucumbers. You can include: - Carrots: Shredded for a crunch. - Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced for sweetness. - Radishes: For a peppery bite. You can also mix up the dressing. Instead of soy sauce, use: - Tamari: Great for gluten-free diets. - Apple Cider Vinegar: For a fruity note. Experimenting with these ingredients keeps your salad exciting! If you need gluten-free options, swap soy sauce for tamari. This keeps the flavor while making it safe for those with gluten issues. For a vegan version, ensure your chili paste is vegan-friendly. Most brands are, but it’s good to check. This salad pairs well with proteins. Try it alongside: - Grilled Chicken: A classic choice. - Tofu: For a plant-based meal. - Shrimp: Adds a nice touch of seafood. To create a full meal, serve it with sides like: - Steamed Rice: Balances the spice. - Quinoa: For a healthy grain option. - Edamame: A fun finger food. These ideas let you enjoy the salad in different ways! To keep your spicy sesame cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. I recommend using glass containers. They do not absorb smells and are easy to clean. If you use plastic, make sure it is BPA-free. For the best taste, eat the salad within a day or two. However, if you have leftovers, you can still enjoy them. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This way, the cucumbers stay crisp and crunchy. The salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers become soggy and lose their crunch. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or the salad smells off, it’s best to toss it out. If the cucumbers look wilted or mushy, do not eat them. Can I make this salad in advance? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. The cucumbers will stay crisp if you keep the dressing separate until serving. Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can pack it in containers for lunch or snacks. Just remember to add the dressing later to keep the cucumbers fresh. What can I serve with Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad? This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Is it possible to use other kinds of vinegar? Yes, you can use other vinegars. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work well. Each will add a different flavor to your salad. Overview of calories and macros This salad is light and healthy. Each serving has about 100 calories. It has low fat and carbs, making it a great choice for a snack or side. Health benefits of key ingredients Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories. Sesame oil provides healthy fats. Rice vinegar may help with digestion. Together, they create a nutritious salad. What to do if my salad is too salty? If your salad is too salty, try adding more cucumbers. You can also add a bit of sugar or more vinegar to balance the flavor. How to fix a dressing that’s too thick or too thin? If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a little water or more vinegar. If it's too thin, add a bit more sesame oil or sugar for thickness. This blog post walks you through making Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad. We covered ingredients, preparation, and combining them to create a delicious dish. I shared tips for crispy cucumbers and flavor enhancements. You can also explore variations and storage tips for freshness. Remember, experimenting with ingredients can lead to new flavors. Enjoy making this salad and let it shine alongside your favorite meals. Simple, tasty, and fun—that’s what this salad is all about!

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

Discover a delightful recipe for Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad that packs a flavor punch! This refreshing dish combines crisp cucumbers with a zesty dressing featuring sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Perfect as a side or a light meal, it’s easy to make in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore this simple and tasty recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips to elevate your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

3 medium cucumbers

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Instructions
 

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut off the ends, then slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.

    Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess water, then rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

      In a bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

        Add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly in the sauce.

          Sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes (if using) over the cucumbers and toss lightly once more.

            Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4