Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Spicy Cucumber Salad ready to eat with garnish.

4 from 2 votes

This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe is quick to prep, light and refreshing, and finished with just enough heat to balance rich or savory meals. Made as a simple cucumber salad recipe with crisp cucumbers and a chili-forward dressing using pantry staples, it’s an easy side that works well with weeknight dinners, noodle bowls, or takeout-style meals at home.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Calories: 54kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Airtight Container
Knife
Cutting board
Paper Towels (Optional)

Ingredients

2 Jumbo English cucumbers or 3 regular size
¼ red onion thinly sliced
1-2 scallions diced
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce for added richness, can substitute with regular soy sauce
1.5 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ginger grated
2 tablespoon spicy chili crunch adjust according to your spice preference
Everything bagel seasoning to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by combining rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and spicy chili crunch. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Set aside.
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut each cucumber into quarters lengthwise. Then, slice each quartered cucumber stick into smaller pieces, about 3 inches long, creating cucumber sticks.
Add the cucumber sticks, diced scallions, and thinly sliced red onion into the bowl with the prepared dressing.
Toss the vegetables gently in the dressing, making sure they are evenly coated. Let the cucumber mixture marinate in the dressing for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Sprinkle the Everything bagel seasoning over the cucumber salad, adjusting the amount to your taste preference, then garnish with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving.
Serve the Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad immediately as a great side dish or a light appetizer.

Video

Notes

Storage Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freeze This dish is not freezer friendly.

Substitutions

- Cucumbers: If you can't find English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers are excellent substitutes.
- Spice: If you don't have spicy chili crunch, try using spicy chili flakes or Korean chili powder.
- Sugar: Replace with honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Incorporate toasted sesame seeds instead for a nutty taste.

Nutrition The provided nutrition information is only an estimate.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition