Description
A crisp, refreshing side dish made with salted and squeezed English cucumbers tossed in a tangy, spicy sesame chili crisp dressing. It takes only 5 minutes of active prep time and serves as the perfect palate cleanser for rich meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and slice them into half-moons about ¼-inch thick.
- Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt, and toss to coat evenly.
- Let the cucumbers sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Gather the cucumbers in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer the squeezed cucumbers to a clean bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss well to coat.
- Add green onions and cilantro, toss again, and sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Notes
English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, which helps maintain crunch. Regular cucumbers can be used if peeled and seeded. The salting and squeezing step is crucial for removing excess water and ensuring the dressing clings to the cucumbers. If using regular cucumbers, salt for 20 minutes. Chili crisp can be substituted with chili garlic sauce mixed with toasted sesame seeds, though the texture will differ.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: cucumber salad, asian side dish, chili crisp, sesame dressing, quick recipes, vegetarian, gluten-free option, healthy sides, 5-minute recipes