This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a perfect blend of bold and savory flavors. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil infuses crisp mini cucumbers with the best flavor. This is a refreshing and zesty side dish that is quick to prepare and adds a delicious kick to your meal.
About the Recipe
This cucumber salad is a great choice for a variety of different occasions! Its vibrant and refreshing nature make it perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or picnics. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats or other hearty main dishes.
You will love how simple and quick this recipe is to make. You can easily whip it up for a special occasion or a quick side dish. Serve with grilled chicken and rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
This is one of our favorite recipes because it's versatile, so quick, and has simple ingredients. You can easily find the ingredients as Asian markets or your local grocery store.
If you are looking for more salad recipes, check out our: Kale and Pomegranate Salad, Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad, Tofu and Lentil Salad with Spiced Yogurt, Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, or Easy Zucchini Salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful - This salad gets a spicy and savory taste from the blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and rice vinegar. It is a flavor combination that pairs perfectly with the crunchy cucumbers.
- Quick to prepare - With just a 10 minute marinating time, it's perfect for anytime you want to whip up a flavorful dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Fresh - The refreshing crunch of the diced mini cucumbers combined with the tangy marinade offers freshness and satisfaction in every bite!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this perfect side dish:
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar - You can use white wine vinegar as a substitute.
- Sesame oil
- Chili oil
- Garlic
- Salt & black pepper
- Cucumbers - Use 6 mini cucumbers, also known as Persian cucumbers. You can also use English cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers.
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Spicy Cucumber Salad
Let's make this cucumber salad recipe together!
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Step 2: Add the cucumber slices to the bowl and allow them to marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Top with more chili oil and sesame seeds.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the spice level - Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili oil to suit your spice preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually to achieve your desired level of spiciness. If chili oil is too spicy, you can use chili garlic sauce instead of chili oil. If you like a lot of spice, you can add in cayenne pepper for an even bigger spicy kick.
- Chill - For an extra refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator for a while before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Fresh ingredients - Freshness is key! Opt for crisp and firm mini cucumbers to ensure a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this tasty side dish. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large bowl - Use a large bowl to serve this salad.
- Cutting board - A good cutting board is essential for any home cook. I love this one!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this spicy cucumber salad recipe.
- Rice vinegar - Experiment with different types of vinegar like rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Mini cucumbers - If mini cucumbers aren’t available, regular cucumbers can be used. Just scoop out the seeds and dice them for a similar effect.
- Additions - Add thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, fresh ginger, green onions or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color. You can also include some crushed peanuts for an added crunch. Infuse the marinade with fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil for an herbal touch.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this refreshing side dish:
Crockpot Turkey Tenderloins - This Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin recipe is simple to make and creates juicy, tender turkey with a burst of delicious flavors. It is the perfect recipe for any home cook looking for an easy and satisfying meal for a family dinner.
Bone In Ribeye - These mouthwatering Bone In Ribeye steaks are perfectly seared to tender, juicy perfection and flavored with rosemary and fresh cracked pepper. This is a simple recipe that will make a great addition to your dinner table.
Panko Crusted Chicken - You are going to love this recipe for Panko Crusted Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, savory seasonings and parmesan cheese. The flavors and texture are so delicious in this easy dinner recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
The salad will remain crunchy for about 1 to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, over time the cucumbers will start to release moisture, which can affect their crispness
Absolutely! While cucumbers are the star in this recipe, you can experiment with other veggies such as: bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, radishes, or snap peas.
Yes! To make this recipe gluten free, you can substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten free soy sauce alternative. Both of those alternatives will provide just about the same flavor.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Other Recipes to Try
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili oil plus more for serving
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 mini cucumbers diced
- Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir well.
- Add in cucumbers and marinate for 10 minutes.
- Top with more chili oil and sesame seeds and serve.
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