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Spicy Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Garlic

Spicy Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Garlic
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Spicy Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Garlic is a crisp and refreshing dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a bold dressing of toasted sesame oil, garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. The salad is finished with crunchy toasted sesame seeds, providing a perfect balance of textures and vibrant flavors that brighten any meal. Quick to prepare and versatile, this salad works well as a light snack, appetizer, or side dish alongside grilled meats, rice bowls, or stir-fries.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 2 large firm fresh cucumbers (preferably English cucumbers)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional for balance)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons using a knife or mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thickness that will absorb the dressing well.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, chili flakes, and optional sugar or honey until fully combined, creating a flavorful and aromatic dressing.
  3. Toss Cucumbers with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and gently toss to coat each piece evenly, taking care not to bruise the cucumbers to maintain their crisp texture.
  4. Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and lightly toss once more to distribute the seeds, adding crunch and a nutty aroma.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the cucumbers to absorb the dressing, then serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and thinner skin, resulting in a better texture and taste.
  • Toast sesame seeds fresh before adding to enhance aroma and provide a warm, crunchy texture.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes gradually to control the heat intensity according to your preference.
  • Toss the salad lightly to avoid soggy cucumbers and maintain a refreshing crunch.
  • Let the salad chill to allow flavors to blend and enrich the garlic and sesame notes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; drain excess water before serving.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to cucumber water content.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, garlic cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, healthy cucumber side dish

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/spicy-cucumber-salad-with-sesame-and-garlic/