Name: Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 6 Mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers; 2 teaspoons Salt (to drain water); 1 tablespoon Regular soy sauce; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar or white vinegar; 1 tablespoon Chinese chili oil; 1 tablespoon White granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons Green onion, finely sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that marries crisp freshness with a bold, spicy punch, this Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of vibrant side dish that brightens up any meal with its delightful crunch and layers of flavor from tangy rice vinegar, savory soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and just the right kick of chili oil. Whether you need a refreshing appetizer or a light, zesty side, this salad comes together in a flash, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum satisfaction. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your go-to salad for those moments when you want something healthy, tasty, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white round plate holding seven small clear glass bowls arranged in a circle, each bowl containing different ingredients: a dark soy sauce at the top, a reddish chili oil to the left, a light brown vinegar to the right, white granulated salt below the soy sauce, a clear liquid next to the vinegar, white sugar beneath the salt, and light brown sesame seeds to the right of the sugar. Outside the plate, to the left, there is another small clear bowl with sliced green onions, and below the plate, there are six fresh mini cucumbers, bright green with textured skin, laying on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of fresh, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

6 Mini or Persian Cucumbers: Their small size and thin skin make for a crisp, tender texture perfect for slicing and soaking up flavors.
2 teaspoons Salt: Helps draw out excess moisture to keep the cucumbers crunchy without becoming soggy.
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce: Adds deep, savory umami notes that elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
2 cloves Garlic (minced): Gives a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the cool cucumbers beautifully.
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: Brings the perfect tangy brightness that balances the spiciness and sweetness.
1 tablespoon Chinese Chili Oil: Provides a spicy warmth that enlivens every bite, adjustable for your heat preference.
1 tablespoon White Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the acidity and spice.
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: Infuses the salad with a subtle nutty aroma and flavor.
1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds: Contribute a delicate crunch and visual appeal.
2 tablespoons Green Onion (finely sliced): Offers freshness and a mild oniony zest to finish off the dish.

How to Make Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Begin by washing your mini cucumbers and cutting off the ends. To achieve the signature spiral texture, place each cucumber between two chopsticks to protect your cutting surface, then slice thin diagonal cuts first on one side and then the other. Afterward, cut the cucumber in half. This technique not only looks impressive but also helps the dressing cling wonderfully to every bite.

Step 2: Salt to Draw Out Moisture

Sprinkle the salt over the sliced cucumbers and gently massage it in. Let them sit and soak for about 5 minutes to draw out excess water without losing their crispness. Rinsing the cucumbers several times with cold water afterward is key to washing away any harsh saltiness, leaving behind perfectly crunchy bites.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

Combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, Chinese chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a separate bowl. This simple dressing is where all the magic happens—balancing spicy heat, savory depths, and a touch of sweetness that makes the salad irresistible.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Drain the cucumbers well to avoid diluting the dressing. Pour the prepared sauce over the cucumbers and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Sprinkle the finely sliced green onions on top for that fresh finishing touch. Your Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe is now ready to dazzle your taste buds!

How to Serve Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

A white bowl with a blue brushstroke design near the edge holds several pieces of cucumber that are thinly sliced but still connected, fanned out to show their bright green skin and light green inside. The cucumbers sit in a dark soy-based sauce that pools at the bottom. On top, there are small bits of red chili flakes, sesame seeds, and garlic pieces adding texture and color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with silver chopsticks lying beside it and a small glass bowl of sliced green onions visible in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro or mint leaves not only enhances the look but also adds extra layers of texture and freshness. For a bit more color and crunch, try adding thinly sliced red chili or crushed peanuts on top.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with rich and savory mains such as grilled chicken, crispy fried tofu, or sticky rice bowls. It is fantastic for cutting through heavier dishes with its cooling crunch and lively flavor, making it a versatile companion at any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the salad in small glass bowls or hollowed-out cucumber cups. You could also layer it on rice paper rolls wrapped with fresh herbs and shrimp or chicken for a fun appetizer twist. The striking spiral cut of the cucumber is sure to impress guests at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain that crisp texture, as the cucumbers can soften over time.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad because cucumbers have high water content, and freezing will cause them to become mushy upon thawing, losing the delightful crunch that defines this dish.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is a cold dish meant to refresh and invigorate your palate. Just give it a quick stir before serving if the dressing has settled at the bottom.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini or Persian cucumbers?

Absolutely! While mini or Persian cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, you can use regular cucumbers; just peel and deseed them if needed to avoid excess bitterness or wateriness.

How spicy is this salad and can I adjust the heat?

The chili oil adds a pleasant medium heat, but you can easily adapt the spice level by using less chili oil or substituting with a milder chili sauce to suit your taste.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so if you need a gluten-free version, opt for tamari or a specifically labeled gluten-free soy sauce instead. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep the cucumbers and dressing separately a few hours ahead, but it’s best to toss them together just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh.

What can I use instead of Chinese chili oil?

If you don’t have Chinese chili oil on hand, you can substitute with chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or even a drizzle of chili-infused olive oil to add that spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderfully refreshing and flavor-packed. It’s light, fast to make, and versatile enough to brighten any meal. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a quick salad can become your new favorite side dish or appetizer in no time!

Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need