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Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Sesame Oil and Chili Crisp

fresh asian cucumber salad - featured image

A quick and refreshing Asian cucumber salad featuring toasted sesame oil and spicy chili crisp for a bold, crunchy, and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 2 large English cucumbers. Slice them thinly about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon light soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Mince 1 clove garlic finely and slice 2 green onions thinly. Add both to the dressing and mix.
  4. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all slices. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.
  5. Just before serving, fold in 1 to 2 tablespoons chili crisp depending on spice preference. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top.
  6. Taste and adjust salt or chili crisp if needed.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Avoid waiting too long to prevent sogginess.

Notes

Add chili crisp just before serving to keep crunch and heat. Salt cucumbers and drain if watery to avoid sogginess. Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Can substitute tamari for gluten-free. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, sesame oil, chili crisp, quick salad, healthy side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad