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Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crispy dish featuring spiral-cut Persian cucumbers tossed in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and spicy gochugaru. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and crunch, this salad is quick to prepare and ideal for a light side or snack.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 6–8 Persian cucumbers
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cucumbers: Place a chopstick on either side of each cucumber to avoid slicing all the way through. Make 45-degree angled slices into the cucumber to create partial cuts. Rotate the cucumber and make straight 90-degree cuts across the previous slices, creating a spiral shape.
  2. Salt the Cucumbers: Place the spiral-cut cucumbers into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Massage the salt thoroughly between the slices to draw out moisture. Allow the cucumbers to sit for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Prepare Aromatics: While the cucumbers rest, mince the garlic cloves and thinly slice the green onion.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Quickly rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt without reabsorbing water. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
  5. Toss with Dressing: Add the minced garlic, sliced green onion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochugaru, brown sugar, and sesame seeds to the cucumbers. Massage the dressing evenly into the cucumbers ensuring full flavor absorption.
  6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right away for the best crunch and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Using chopsticks while slicing helps keep the cucumber intact and creates a beautiful spiral effect.
  • Do not skip the salting step; it’s crucial to draw out excess water and keep the salad crunchy.
  • Rinsing quickly after salting prevents cucumbers from becoming too salty while maintaining texture.
  • Gochugaru adds authentic Korean spice but can be adjusted or replaced with chili flakes based on heat preference.
  • Best enjoyed fresh the same day as cucumbers tend to soften over time.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/spicy-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe/