This Chinese Cucumber Salad is the ultimate combination of crispy, fresh cucumbers and a tangy, slightly spicy dressing. The subtle sweetness from the rice vinegar and the richness of sesame oil create the perfect balance of flavors, while the toasted sesame seeds and cilantro add an aromatic finish. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that complements any Asian-inspired meal.
Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also healthy and light, making it a great choice for a summer lunch or as an appetizer for dinner parties. The best part? You can adjust the seasoning to your preference, making this salad as mild or spicy as you like. This dish is truly a crowd-pleaser and is sure to leave you craving more!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/4 cup rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
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2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
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Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess water.
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After the cucumbers have softened, rinse them with cold water to remove excess salt and drain well.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil (if using).
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Add the minced garlic and pepper to the dressing and stir to combine.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
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Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 60 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chinese Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion
Chinese Cucumber Salad is a delightful dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in various Asian cuisines. Known for its light, refreshing nature and balance of flavors, it is the perfect dish to serve during the warm summer months, but it can easily be enjoyed year-round. This crisp and tangy salad combines the freshness of cucumbers with a savory dressing and is enhanced with sesame oil, garlic, and a dash of chili oil for those who enjoy a bit of heat. The result is a dish that is both simple and complex in taste, offering a variety of textures and flavors with every bite.
The beauty of Chinese Cucumber Salad lies in its simplicity. It uses just a few basic ingredients but comes together to create something extraordinary. This dish is an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and healthy snack or side dish to complement their meal. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, rice dishes, or even as a light starter for a multi-course meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a barbecue, or a special occasion, this salad is sure to impress guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Origins of Chinese Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. They are often used in a variety of ways, from being pickled to being served raw in salads, as they provide a refreshing, cool contrast to the often rich and savory flavors in Chinese dishes. The origins of Chinese Cucumber Salad can be traced back to traditional Chinese culinary practices where fresh vegetables were often paired with flavorful seasonings to create a dish that was both nourishing and satisfying. The salad typically features cucumbers, a variety of seasonings, and sometimes garnishes like sesame seeds and cilantro.
The flavor profile of Chinese Cucumber Salad is distinctly Asian, with ingredients like rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce lending it a savory depth, while the addition of chili oil can bring some spice and heat to the dish. The use of these ingredients is central to many Chinese dishes, where balancing flavors such as salty, sweet, sour, and spicy is an art. The combination of these flavors in Chinese Cucumber Salad creates a harmonious dish that is both refreshing and complex, offering a variety of tastes in every bite.
Why You Should Try Chinese Cucumber Salad
One of the main reasons Chinese Cucumber Salad has stood the test of time is because it is incredibly versatile. It can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and can be made spicier or milder depending on personal taste. The base of the salad is the cucumber, which is naturally low in calories and high in water content, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to stay hydrated and keep their calorie intake in check. The addition of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar provides healthy fats and enhances the salad’s flavor, giving it a unique Asian flair.
This salad is also packed with health benefits. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support good health. They contain vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, and have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain. Cucumbers are also hydrating due to their high water content, making them a great addition to a healthy diet, especially during the warmer months when hydration is crucial.
In addition to cucumbers, the garlic used in this recipe provides antimicrobial properties and can help boost the immune system. The cilantro garnish is not only a burst of flavor but also a source of essential nutrients such as vitamin A, C, and K. If you add chili oil, you can enjoy the metabolism-boosting benefits of capsaicin, the compound found in chili peppers that adds a little heat to the dish.
How to Serve Chinese Cucumber Salad
One of the best things about Chinese Cucumber Salad is its versatility in terms of serving options. It can be served as a side dish, an appetizer, or even as a light meal on its own. Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor make it a great addition to any Asian-inspired meal, but it can also be paired with a variety of cuisines to add freshness and contrast to heavier dishes.
For example, Chinese Cucumber Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. The freshness of the cucumbers helps cut through the richness of the grilled proteins, making for a well-rounded and balanced meal. It also complements Asian noodle dishes, such as chow mein or fried rice, and can be served alongside sushi for a refreshing contrast to the flavors of the fish.
In addition, Chinese Cucumber Salad can be served as a stand-alone dish, especially for those seeking a lighter, vegetarian option. When paired with a simple bowl of rice, this salad can make for a light lunch or dinner that is both satisfying and nourishing. If you’re looking for something to bring to a potluck or family gathering, Chinese Cucumber Salad is an excellent choice as it can be made ahead of time and served cold.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about Chinese Cucumber Salad is that it is highly customizable. While the traditional version of the salad is delicious on its own, you can easily modify it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
For those who enjoy a bit of extra heat, you can increase the amount of chili oil or add fresh chili peppers to the salad for an added kick. Some variations also incorporate a bit of sugar into the dressing to balance out the vinegar’s acidity and add a touch of sweetness to the salad. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, you can experiment with adding a splash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce to the dressing for added umami.
If you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free or vegan, simply omit the soy sauce and use tamari as a gluten-free alternative. For a vegan version, ensure that the chili oil and sesame oil are made without animal-based products. Additionally, you can add other vegetables to the salad, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or red onions, to give it more color and texture.
Tips for the Perfect Chinese Cucumber Salad
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Choose the Right Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are ideal for this recipe as they are smaller, more tender, and have fewer seeds. However, if you can’t find Persian cucumbers, you can substitute them with English cucumbers or even regular cucumbers, though you may want to peel and seed them for the best texture.
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Let the Cucumbers Rest: The key to achieving the perfect texture in Chinese Cucumber Salad is to let the cucumbers release their water by sprinkling them with salt and letting them rest for 10-15 minutes. This process helps to make the cucumbers more tender and ensures that the salad won’t be too watery.
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Serve Cold: This salad is best served chilled, so after preparing it, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more cohesive dish.
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Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dressing before pouring it over the cucumbers and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more sugar, or if you like it more savory, increase the soy sauce or sesame oil.
Conclusion:
Chinese Cucumber Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a tangy snack to enjoy on a hot day, this salad has something for everyone. It’s easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With its unique combination of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try and discover just how delicious and satisfying a salad can be!