Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

$- 3 medium cucumbers - 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish) - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 teaspoon chili paste - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Gathering these ingredients is simple. You can find cucumbers in any grocery store. Look for ones that are firm and shiny. Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch, so choose vibrant green leaves. The pantry staples are common items. You may already have them at home. Toasted sesame oil gives the salad a rich flavor. Rice vinegar adds a nice tang, while soy sauce brings depth. Chili paste makes it spicy, but you can adjust the amount. Sugar balances the flavors, and sesame seeds add a nice crunch. If you want more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. This mix of ingredients creates a salad that is fresh and zesty. - Wash and slice cucumbers. - Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to rest. Start by washing the cucumbers under cold water. This step makes sure they are clean. Next, slice off both ends. You can cut them into thin rounds or half-moons. It depends on what you like. After slicing, place the cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle them evenly with sea salt. Let them rest for about 15 minutes. This helps pull out extra water from the cucumbers. After 15 minutes, rinse them under cold water. This removes excess salt. Then, pat them dry with paper towels. - Combine sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, and sugar. In a mixing bowl, combine toasted sesame oil and rice vinegar. Add low-sodium soy sauce to the bowl. Then, include chili paste and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together. Make sure the sugar dissolves well. This dressing gives the salad its zingy flavor. - Toss cucumbers with dressing. - Add toppings and rest before serving. Now, add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss them so they coat well. Next, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. If you like more heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes. Toss lightly again to mix everything well. Now, let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes. This lets the flavors blend together. When ready, transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright touch. To make your spicy sesame cucumber salad shine, adjust the spice level with chili paste. Start with one teaspoon. Taste it. If you want more heat, add more paste. This way, you get the perfect spice for your taste buds. Fresh herbs can also boost flavor. I love using chopped cilantro. It adds a bright taste and nice color. You can use other herbs too, like mint or basil, based on your preference. Getting the right texture is key. First, draw out moisture from the cucumbers. The sea salt helps with this. After resting, rinse and pat dry the cucumbers. This step keeps the salad from becoming soggy. Serve the salad cold for the best experience. It enhances the fresh crunch of the cucumbers. Letting it rest for a bit before serving also allows the flavors to blend better. Enjoy your salad fresh and zesty! {{image_4}} If you want to make this salad gluten-free, you can skip the soy sauce. Instead, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both options give great flavor without gluten. You can also try using liquid aminos for a similar taste. For a fun twist, consider using zucchini instead of cucumbers. Zucchini has a mild flavor and a nice crunch. Just follow the same steps to prepare it. Slice it thinly, salt it, and mix it with the dressing. Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken or tofu works great in this salad. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in. This makes the salad heartier and adds more nutrition. You can also mix in other colorful veggies. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while shredded carrots bring a nice texture. Just remember to cut them into small pieces for easy eating. This adds even more flavor and color to your salad. To keep your Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. If you don’t have a lid, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. This method keeps moisture in and air out. Store the salad in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Keep the dressing separate if you want it to last longer. Mix it in just before serving for the best taste. This salad is best served cold. If you have leftovers, enjoy them straight from the fridge. You can also add it to wraps or sandwiches for a tasty twist. For a fun twist, mix this salad into rice or quinoa bowls. The spicy flavor adds a kick to your meal. You can also use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. You can enjoy Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad with many dishes. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. Try it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You could also serve it as a side with Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki or stir-fried vegetables. The refreshing taste complements spicy foods nicely. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Making it a few hours early helps the flavors blend well. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you make it the night before, the cucumbers may get a bit soft. However, the taste will still be great. Absolutely! This salad fits well into many diets. It is vegan and gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. The ingredients are simple and healthy, making it a great choice for anyone. Enjoy this salad as a fresh addition to your meals, no matter your diet! This blog post covered how to make a fresh Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad. We discussed the important ingredients, both fresh and from the pantry, and gave clear steps for preparation. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and texture, plus tasty variations. Make sure to follow best storage practices for longer freshness. In conclusion, creating this salad is simple and fun. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Enjoy making this dish with friends or as a great side.$

Discover the refreshing taste of this Zesty Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad that's perfect for any meal! With just a few simple ingredients like fresh cucumbers, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil, you'll whip up a vibrant dish in no time. Whether you're looking for a side dish or light snack, this salad is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

3 medium cucumbers

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish)

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

Instructions

Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under cold water. Slice off both ends of each cucumber, then cut them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your personal liking and desired presentation.

Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and evenly sprinkle them with sea salt. Allow them to rest for approximately 15 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture. After the time has elapsed, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt and pat them dry using paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, chili paste, and granulated sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar has completely dissolved and the dressing is well blended.

Add the prepared cucumber slices to the bowl containing the dressing. Gently toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.

Next, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and the optional crushed red pepper flakes over the top of the cucumber salad. Toss lightly once again to incorporate the toppings without breaking the cucumber slices.

Allow the salad to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld and enhances the taste of the salad.

Finally, transfer the cucumber salad to a beautiful serving dish. Garnish with the freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4