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I turn to this Asian cucumber dish whenever I want something cool, refreshing and zesty with hints of sweet tanginess and mild heat. It comes together super fast and turns ordinary cucumbers into an exciting side that makes any meal better.
The first time I whipped this up, it disappeared before we even sat down to eat. I stumbled upon a similar dish at a friend's cookout and couldn't get enough. After playing with the recipe, it's now my favorite way to enjoy fresh cucumbers when they're in season.
- Cucumbers: they provide that wonderful crisp bite - grab English ones if you can since they have fewer seeds and thinner skin - pick ones that feel firm
- Rice vinegar: adds that needed zip and helps tenderize - go for plain instead of seasoned for cleaner taste
- Soy sauce: gives that savory backbone - try to use traditionally brewed for better flavor
- Sesame oil: adds that wonderful nutty smell - make sure it's the dark toasted kind
- Honey: cuts through the sour and spicy notes - thicker types blend in better
- Garlic: kicks up all the other flavors - always go with fresh
- Ginger: brings that fresh spicy bite - get a chunky piece and grate it yourself
- Red pepper flakes: for that gentle warmth - break them up for extra kick
- Toasted sesame seeds: add tiny bits of texture - heat them up yourself if store-bought ones taste bland
- Green onions: give that mild oniony touch - cut them thin and use crisp ones
- Cilantro: adds that fresh pop - pick bunches with bright, perky leaves
Delicious Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut your Cucumbers:
- Slice cucumbers into thin rounds. A good knife or food slicer will help you get even pieces that'll soak up the dressing better.
- Mix your Sauce:
- In a big bowl, stir together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, crushed garlic, fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes until everything's combined and you can smell all those good scents.
- Soak the Cucumbers:
- Put all your cucumber slices in the bowl. Mix well so they all get coated in the sauce. Let them hang out for at least ten minutes, giving them a stir once or twice. This helps them suck up all those tasty flavors.
- Add Final Touches:
- Right before you're ready to eat, sprinkle sesame seeds, green onions and cilantro on top. Gently toss again and put it in a nice bowl for serving.
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I always love grabbing the last few cucumber slices with those tiny sesame seeds and garlicky sauce stuck to them. This dish reminds me of my grandma who always said we needed something green and fresh with every meal, and who made similar salads whenever family came over.
Keeping Extras Fresh
You can keep this in your fridge for up to two days. Just put it in a container with a good lid and mix it again before eating. If you want super crunchy cucumbers, keep the sauce separate and only mix them when you're ready to eat.
Simple Substitution Ideas
Don't like cilantro? Fresh mint works great instead. You can swap the honey for maple syrup or just a bit of sugar. For folks avoiding gluten, use tamari instead of soy sauce. And if you want different heat, try chili oil or sriracha rather than red pepper flakes.
Tasty Pairing Options
This goes perfectly with anything off the grill. Try it with a rice bowl for extra crunch or stuffed in lettuce cups for a light snack. It even makes day-old food taste better. Take it to group meals, outdoor lunches, or serve it alongside spicy dishes to cool things down.
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Traditional Background
You'll find cucumber dishes like this all over Asia with countless local twists. From China to Korea, Japan to Thailand, versions of this salad showcase fresh ingredients, tangy flavors and a bit of spice. This take borrows from those traditions but uses stuff you can easily find at any grocery store.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can cucumbers stay crunchy?
Thinly slice them, let them briefly marinate, and serve right after adding the dressing.
- → Is it okay to make it in advance?
For the best crunch, mix it up just before serving, but you can marinate for 20-30 minutes if you're short on time.
- → What can I use if I don't have rice vinegar?
Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy taste.
- → Can vegans enjoy this dish?
Swap out honey for maple syrup or agave, and it's fully plant-based.
- → How spicy is it?
The red pepper flakes give a mild spice that's easy to adjust. Add more or less to suit your taste.