Description
A quick, no-cook side dish featuring crisp English cucumbers tossed in a tangy, spicy, and sweet rice vinegar dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a palate cleanser for rich meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice on a bias into thin half-moons (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss to coat and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Drain the cucumbers in a colander, rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess salt, and squeeze gently to remove as much water as possible.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved.
- Return the dried cucumbers to the bowl, pour the dressing over them, and add the sliced green onions. Toss to coat evenly.
- Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and toss again. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately.
Notes
English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them first. Salting and draining the cucumbers is crucial for maintaining crunchiness. The salad improves with marination time but can be eaten immediately. Do not freeze as cucumbers will become mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cucumber salad, asian salad, sesame cucumber, rice vinegar, quick dinner, no cook, healthy side dish, gluten-free option, meal prep