Description
A refreshing and spicy cucumber salad that combines crunchy cucumbers with a flavorful chili crisp dressing. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as a side dish or appetizer, featuring a balance of heat, tanginess, and sweetness enhanced by sesame oil and garlic.
Ingredients
Cucumbers
- 6 mini cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon roasted sesame oil
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice and salt the cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers on a diagonal and place them in a colander set over a bowl or the sink. Sprinkle the sea salt over the cucumbers, toss briefly, and let them sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili crisp, honey, minced garlic, and roasted sesame oil until well combined.
- Rinse and dry cucumbers: Quickly rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine cucumbers and dressing: Add the cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing and toss everything until the cucumbers are nicely coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle sliced green onions and roasted sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad right away or chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together further before serving.
Notes
- Salting the cucumbers removes excess moisture, keeping the salad crisp and preventing it from becoming watery.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your preferred spice level.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian