Name: Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cucumbers (~20cm/8"); 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1 eschalot/French onion, halved then very thinly sliced; 1 cup green onion, green part only finely sliced (1 large, 2 small stems); 2 tbsp chilli crisp (crispy chilli oil, Laoganma preferred); 2 tsp white sesame seeds, toasted (save some for topping); 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar (or any clear vinegar); 2 tsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light); 2 tsp toasted sesame oil (brown, not yellow)

Description

This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad offers a refreshing crunch with a fiery kick, combining smashed cucumbers with a tangy, flavorful dressing of chilli crisp, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. It's a perfect side dish or light snack, balancing heat with crisp texture and aromatic sesame notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

4 cucumbers (~20cm/8")
3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1 eschalot/French onion, halved then very thinly sliced
1 cup green onion, green part only finely sliced (1 large, 2 small stems)

Dressing

2 tbsp chilli crisp (crispy chilli oil, Laoganma preferred)
2 tsp white sesame seeds, toasted (save some for topping)
1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar (or any clear vinegar)
2 tsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
2 tsp toasted sesame oil (brown, not yellow)

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Instructions

Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers and pat dry. Using a knife or pestle, gently smash the cucumbers to create crevices for the dressing to absorb.
Slice aromatics: Thinly slice the eschalot/French onion and finely slice the green parts of the green onions.
Salt the cucumbers: Toss the smashed cucumbers with 3/4 tsp kosher salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess water and enhance flavor.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine chilli crisp, toasted white sesame seeds, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well.
Combine salad: Drain the cucumbers if necessary and mix them with the sliced onions. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve: Garnish with reserved toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately as a refreshing and spicy side dish.

Notes

The smashing technique is key to creating texture and helps the dressing cling to the cucumbers.
Use Laoganma Crispy Chilli Oil for authentic flavor and balanced heat.
If you prefer less spice, substitute this dressing with ginger sauce for a milder alternative.
Adjust salt and vinegar to taste depending on your preference and the saltiness of your soy sauce.
To keep cucumbers crisp, serve shortly after mixing the dressing or refrigerate for up to a few hours.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 100 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 615 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg