Fast Chinese Cucumber Salad
Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with bold flavors, this Fast Chinese Cucumber Salad is the perfect go-to side dish or appetizer for busy weeknights. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this recipe combines crunchy English cucumbers with a vibrant dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar for balance. Aromatic minced garlic and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes bring an irresistible kick, while toasted sesame seeds and optional fresh cilantro elevate the dish with a nutty, herby finish. Perfect for fans of quick and healthy Asian-inspired recipes, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also highly versatile—serve it as a light starter or pair it with your favorite stir-fry or rice dish for a flavorful meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces English cucumber
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 1.5 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.
Slice the cucumbers into quarters lengthwise, then cut them into 1-inch pieces.
Place the cucumber pieces into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss to combine, then let them sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water.
While the cucumbers rest, finely mince the garlic cloves.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
Drain the excess water from the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
Add the minced garlic to the cucumbers, then pour the prepared dressing over them. Toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro, if using.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
50 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.9 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 702 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.4 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 1.0 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 11 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 77 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
