Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
This vibrant and refreshing Spicy Cucumber Salad is a perfect balance of heat, tang, and freshness. Thin ribbons of cucumber are tossed in a flavorful dressing of soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, and aromatics. It’s quick to make and the perfect side dish for any meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 tsp brown sugar optional
- 1 tbsp tbsp chili paste Gochujang
- 1 tbsp tbsp mild chili flakes ( optional) [1 tbsp / 10g]
- 1 spring onion, sliced into rings
- 5 tbsp oil e.g., olive or sunflower oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 1 garlic clove grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- A handful of cilantro roughly chopped
- Extra chili flakes to taste, for added heat
Instructions
- Prepare cucumbers: Chop off the ends of the cucumbers. Peel them into thin ribbons using a peeler and set them aside.
- Assemble dressing base: On a large plate or bowl, combine the spring onion, brown sugar (if using), chili paste, mild chili flakes, grated ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
- Heat oil: In a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Pour hot oil: Carefully pour the hot oil over the dressing mixture. The heat will bloom the spices and release their aroma.
- Mix dressing: Mix the dressing ingredients well to combine them.
- Toss cucumbers: Add the cucumber ribbons to the plate and gently toss them until well-coated in the dressing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and extra chili flakes if desired.
- Serve: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcal