Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a viral sensation that’s been taking TikTok by storm a few months ago – the Spicy Cucumber Salad.
After seeing this recipe all over social media, I couldn’t resist the temptation to give it a try myself.
And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
This salad has quickly become a favorite of mine, thanks to its refreshing crunch, bold flavors from the garlic chili oil, and the tangy kick of the sesame dressing.
It’s a modern twist on the classic cucumber salad that’s sure to impress.
Let’s dive into this recipe!
Nutritional Attributes:
Not only is this Spicy Cucumber Salad is delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits.
Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water content, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Plus, the garlic and sesame oil add extra flavor and antioxidants.
Preparation work:
To prep the cucumbers, generously sprinkle salt over them after washing them, ensuring each piece is coated, then allow them to marinate for 15 minutes.
This marination process draws out excess water and enhances the cucumber’s flavor.
After 15 minutes, rinse the cucumber slices under cold water to remove the excess salt.
The cucumbers are now ready for the yummy seasoning!
Process:
- Wash and Slice Cucumbers: Ensure to slice them diagonally for an attractive presentation.
- Salt and Marinate: Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let them marinate for 15 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare Dressing: Mix together minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili garlic oil to create a flavorful dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Crunchy Cucumber Salad is ready to be served! Enjoy its crispiness and delicious flavors.
Ingredients and alternatives:
- Cucumbers: Opt for small cucumbers for their crunchy texture. If you don’t have small cucumbers, you can use regular cucumbers.
- Salt: Helps to draw out excess water from the cucumbers.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the dressing.
- Garlic Chili Oil: Provides a spicy and flavorful punch. If you don’t have garlic chili oil, you can use regular chili oil and add minced garlic separately.
- Scallions: Adds a fresh and aromatic element to the salad.
- Sesame Seeds: Offers a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Tips & Tricks:
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic chili oil.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes.
- Make extra dressing and store it in the fridge for future use.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time by slicing the cucumbers and mixing the dressing. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the cucumbers.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder salad, you can reduce the amount of garlic chili oil or omit it altogether. You can also adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your taste preference
Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some water as they sit, so the salad may become slightly more watery over time.
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 5 Small cucumbers
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Garlic Chili Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Scallions sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax.Using chopsticks, plate each cucumber, cutting diagonally across the cucumber.Flip the cucumber and slice it vertically, creating a decorative pattern. Repeat for all cucumbers.
- Sprinkle salt generously over the sliced cucumbers, ensuring each piece is coated.Allow the cucumbers to marinate for 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess water and enhances flavor.
- After 15 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove the salt.Pat the cucumber slices dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili garlic oil.Mix the ingredients well to create a flavorful dressing.Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle finely chopped scallion greens over the dressed cucumber slices.Finish off with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.