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Asian cucumber salad in a black bowl.
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Asian Cucumber Salad

Cold and crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect accompaniment to Korean Barbecue Meatballs or any other hot, spicy food.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Draining Time 30 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings 6 servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories 60kcal

Ingredients

For draining the cucumbers:

  • 2 pounds thin-skinned cucumbers such as English (2 large or 4 medium) or Persian (8 to 10 mini, see note 1)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

For assembling the salad:

Instructions

To drain the cucumbers:

  • Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise and then slice into 1/4-inch crescent (half circle) slices. In the bottom of a colander set over a bowl (to catch liquid), add the cucumber slices. Sprinkle with salt and sugar, then toss to combine.
  • Place in the refrigerator and let drain for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Rinse and pat dry.

To assemble the salad:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste.
  • Shake the colander of cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid, then transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.

Video

Notes

  1. Cucumbers: Look for thin-skinned hot house, English, or Persian cucumbers. To substitute standard cucumbers, peel them before slicing and draining.
  2. Sesame seeds: To toast sesame seeds, in a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  3. Yield: This recipe makes about 3 cups of Asian Cucumber Salad (the exact yield depends on the size of your cucumbers). This is enough for 6 servings, 1/2 cup each.
  4. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  5. Make ahead: Slice, salt, and drain the cucumbers one day in advance.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup | Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1280mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg