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spicy cucumber salad with peanuts in a bowl

Asian Cucumber Salad

Julia | The Yummy Bowl
If you're looking for a crunchy Asian cucumber salad as the perfect side dish for your Asian cooking, look no further than this easy cucumber salad! This easy Asian cucumber salad recipe is made with thin slices of juicy fresh cucumbers combined with sesame soy dressing and topped with your favorite garnish - toasted sesame seeds, fresh ginger, or chopped green onions.
5 from 6 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 70 kcal

INGREDIENTS
  

  • 2 medium English cucumbers, about 2 cups sliced thinly
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari, coconut aminos for GF
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon fresh garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt to drain water, and more for seasoning if needed
  • black pepper to taste, optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts for serving, toasted
  • 1-2 teaspoon red pepper flakes , divided

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Sprinkle salt over cucumbers and gently massage into them. Let cucumbers soak in salt for at least 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cold water at least 2 times to completely remove the salt. Strain and set aside.
  • Combine sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. If you're not sure about the how spicy you like the salad, add only ½ teaspoons of red pepper flakes and adjust later if needed.
  • Pour sauce over cucumbers and gently mix. Taste for seasoning and add more salt/black pepper if needed.
  • Top with more red pepper flakes and toasted peanuts. Enjoy!

NOTES

  • Cucumbers - Persian cucumbers, Japanese cucumbers, or Kirby cucumbers can be used instead of English cucumbers.
  • Should you peel cucumbers? No. You don’t need to peel cucumbers for this salad, as the thin skin provides a great source of dietary fiber.
  • To intensify the flavors in this simple salad, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. The longer it sits the softer cucumbers become.
  • Using the best quality toasted sesame oil will add to the flavor of this salad. Use whatever quality brand you enjoy the most.
  • To Store - This salad shouldn’t be stored in the fridge for longer than 3 days as the leftover salad will start to lose its crispy texture.

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NUTRITION

Calories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 89mgPotassium: 269mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 158IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
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