Tangy Shaken Asian Cucumber (Print View)

Crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, savory-sweet Asian dressing, perfect as a fresh side or light snack.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
03 - 1 small red chili, finely sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
06 - 2 teaspoons sesame oil
07 - 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
08 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Additional toasted sesame seeds, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Place sliced cucumbers, spring onions, and chili (if using) into a large jar with a tight-fitting lid or a covered salad bowl.
02 - Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture.
04 - Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to evenly coat the cucumbers, or toss thoroughly if using a bowl.
05 - Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and additional sesame seeds before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in less time than it takes to brew a pot of tea, with zero cooking required.
  • The shake method distributes the dressing so evenly that every bite tastes perfectly balanced.
  • Its light enough to eat straight from the jar but bold enough to stand up to grilled anything.
02 -
  • If you skip the resting time, the cucumbers will taste bland and watery instead of tangy and crisp.
  • Using regular soy sauce instead of tamari means the salad wont be gluten-free, so check your labels if that matters.
  • Shake the jar harder than you think you need to, the dressing has to coat every single slice.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes, the difference in flavor is huge.
  • If your cucumbers are thick-skinned or watery, salt them lightly and let them drain for 10 minutes before dressing.
  • Use a mandoline to slice the cucumbers uniformly, it makes the salad look restaurant-quality and helps everything marinate evenly.
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