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To make the Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad, you will need the following ingredients: - 3 large cucumbers - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 tablespoon Sriracha - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds - 3 green onions - Fresh cilantro leaves - Sea salt These ingredients come together to create a crisp and refreshing salad. The cucumbers are the star, adding crunch and hydration. The sesame oil gives a warm, nutty flavor, while rice vinegar adds a tangy punch. You can adjust the Sriracha to control the heat level, making it as spicy or mild as you like. To add extra texture, the toasted sesame seeds and green onions provide a nice crunch. Finishing with fresh cilantro gives a burst of color and flavor. This salad is not just simple; it’s also a great way to enjoy fresh produce in a tasty way. The balance of flavors makes it a perfect side dish or a light meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing the cucumbers under cold water. This step ensures they are clean and fresh. Next, use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the cucumbers thinly. Aim for uniform thickness. This is key because even slices absorb flavor better. After slicing, place them in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and Sriracha. Whisk these ingredients until they blend smoothly. Taste the mixture and adjust the Sriracha to fit your spice level. If you want it spicier, add more. If you prefer mild, reduce it. Now, drizzle the dressing over the cucumber slices in the bowl. Use your hands or salad tongs to toss the cucumbers gently. Make sure each slice gets coated evenly with the dressing. This step is crucial for full flavor in every bite. Next, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top. Toss the salad gently one more time. Be careful not to bruise the cucumbers. This keeps them crisp and pleasant to eat. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend. The longer it sits, the more the cucumbers soak in the tasty dressing. Before serving, taste the salad. Add sea salt if needed. This enhances all the flavors. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. This adds a burst of color and fresh aroma that makes the dish even more inviting. - Choosing the right cucumber varieties: I recommend using English or Persian cucumbers. They are crisp and have fewer seeds. These varieties also have thin skin, so peeling is optional. - How to achieve crispiness: To keep cucumbers crunchy, slice them thinly and let them drain for a few minutes. This removes excess water and enhances their texture. - Variations for different spice levels: If you want a milder salad, use less Sriracha. You can start with half a tablespoon and taste as you go. For more heat, add more Sriracha slowly until you reach your desired spice level. - Substitutions for allergies: If you have a soy allergy, try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This keeps the umami flavor while avoiding soy. - Serving suggestions for visual appeal: Serve your salad in a chilled bowl. The cold bowl keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. For a stylish look, use a white platter to highlight the vibrant colors of the salad. - Creative garnishing tips: Garnish with extra sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. You can also add red pepper flakes for a pop of color and extra spice. A slice of lime or lemon on the side adds flair and freshness. Pro Tips Choose Crunchy Cucumbers: For the best texture, select firm, fresh cucumbers with minimal blemishes. Adjust Spice to Your Liking: Start with a smaller amount of Sriracha and increase gradually to suit your taste preferences. Enhance with Additional Vegetables: Consider adding shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Serve Chilled: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. {{image_4}} For a twist on the classic flavor, try different dressings. You can use peanut sauce or tahini for a creamy option. These sauces add nutty notes that pair well with cucumber. If you want a lighter option, mix lime juice with olive oil. This brightens the dish while keeping it fresh. If you follow a vegan diet, simply swap out any non-vegan ingredients. Use maple syrup instead of sugar for sweetness. Choose a vegan soy sauce or tamari for your base. These changes keep the salad plant-based without losing flavor. You can enhance your spicy sesame cucumber salad by adding other veggies. Consider bell peppers or shredded carrots for color and crunch. Radishes also add a nice peppery bite. You could even include thinly sliced cabbage for extra texture. If you want to boost the protein, add cooked chickpeas or edamame. These options make the salad heartier and more filling. Grilled chicken or shrimp can also work if you prefer meat. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors! Fresh herbs like mint or basil can elevate the dish. They add freshness that balances the spice. Try adding sesame seeds for crunch. You can also use crushed peanuts for a nutty texture. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey or agave syrup. This helps to tone down the heat from Sriracha. Adding these little twists can make your salad unique and exciting. To keep your spicy sesame cucumber salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This step is vital. It prevents moisture loss and keeps the salad crisp. If you use a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Make sure to eat the salad within a few days for the best taste. In the fridge, this salad lasts about three days. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Signs of spoilage include a mushy texture or off smell. If you notice these signs, it’s best to toss it out. Freshness is key to enjoying this dish. When you’re ready to eat the salad, refresh it by tossing it gently. This helps mix the flavors again. If it seems dry, add a splash of sesame oil or rice vinegar to enhance the taste. Serve the salad chilled for the best experience. A cold dish is always more refreshing! Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad is a fresh and zesty dish. It features crunchy cucumbers tossed in a spicy sesame dressing. This salad has roots in Asian cuisine, often served as a side dish. The mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, and Sriracha adds bold flavors. Enjoying this salad is a great way to cool off on hot days. To tone down the heat, reduce the Sriracha amount. Start with a half tablespoon instead of a full tablespoon. You can also add more cucumber and dressing. Mixing in a bit of honey or sugar can help balance the spice. Another option is to use plain sesame oil instead of the spicy Sriracha. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld, making it even tastier. Just wait to add the sesame seeds and cilantro until you serve it. If you have dietary restrictions, there are easy swaps. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar if needed. You can also try different oils like avocado oil. For a milder flavor, use plain cucumbers and skip the Sriracha. To turn this salad into a full meal, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. You can also toss in chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding cooked quinoa or brown rice gives it more bulk. This makes the dish filling and satisfying while keeping it refreshing. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and storage tips. Each part helps you make this dish flavorful and fresh. Remember, you can adjust spice levels and try new ingredients for variety. Experiment with different dressings and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy your delicious salad, whether as a side or a main dish. Happy cooking!

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and spicy salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in a flavorful sesame dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 3 green onions finely chopped
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Sea salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under cold water. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice them thinly, aiming for uniform thickness to ensure even flavor absorption. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
  • Make the Dressing: In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and Sriracha. Whisk the mixture together until well blended. Taste and adjust the amount of Sriracha depending on your desired spice level.
  • Combine: Drizzle the prepared dressing all over the cucumber slices in the large bowl. Use your hands or salad tongs to gently toss the cucumbers, ensuring that each slice is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
  • Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the top of the cucumber salad. Toss gently once more to incorporate these ingredients without bruising the cucumbers.
  • Marinate for Flavor: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • Final Touches: Just before serving, taste the salad and sprinkle in sea salt as needed to enhance the flavors. Garnish with a generous handful of fresh cilantro leaves for added color and aroma.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in a chilled bowl or on a stylish platter.
Keyword cucumber salad, spicy salad, vegetarian