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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: Best Crunchy Sesame Recipe

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This crunchy Asian cucumber salad with sesame dressing is quick, easy, and stays crunchy for days. The secret is salting the cucumbers first to draw out excess moisture, then tossing them in a tangy, nutty sesame dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 Persian cucumbers)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for salting the cucumbers)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 small carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or gochugaru)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash them thoroughly. If using English cucumbers, leave the skin on. If using regular cucumbers with thick skin, peel partially or fully. Cut off the ends, slice cucumbers in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds if large. Slice each half into half-moons about ¼-inch thick. For Persian cucumbers, slice into rounds.
  2. Salt the cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss with your hands to distribute evenly. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until liquid pools at the bottom.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake until honey is dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as desired.
  4. Drain and dry the cucumbers: After 15-20 minutes, pour cucumbers into a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  5. Assemble the salad: Transfer dried cucumbers to a clean, dry bowl. Add sliced green onions and julienned carrot (if using). Pour dressing over the top and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  6. Let it rest (optional but recommended): For best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or plate, garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

Don’t skip the salting step—it’s essential for crunchy cucumbers. If salting for more than 30 minutes, cucumbers may become too salty and lose crunch. Rinse after salting to remove excess salt and bitterness. For make-ahead, prepare cucumbers and dressing separately and combine just before serving. The salad keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, crunchy cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, quick cucumber salad, healthy side dish

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/easy-asian-cucumber-salad-best-crunchy-sesame-recipe/