Welcome to our journal article, where we will present to you the 7 best Asian cucumber salad recipes! If you are a fan of refreshing, tangy, and savory flavors, then these recipes are perfect for you. Cucumbers are not only low in calories but also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to your diet. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of delicious Asian cucumber salads! 😊
1. Classic Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) 🥒
First on our list is the classic Japanese cucumber salad, also known as Sunomono. This salad is a true crowd-pleaser, with its combination of crisp cucumber slices, tangy rice vinegar dressing, and a hint of sweetness from mirin. It’s the perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal or as a refreshing appetizer on a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Japanese cucumbers |
| 1/4 cup | Rice vinegar |
| 1 tablespoon | Mirin (sweet rice wine) |
| 1 tablespoon | Soy sauce |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Sesame oil |
| 1 tablespoon | Sesame seeds |
| Few slices | Red chili pepper (optional) |
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix rice vinegar, mirin, soy sauce, salt, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and mix well.
4. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced chili pepper on top before serving.
Enjoy this cool and tangy Sunomono as a side dish or appetizer!
2. Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad 🌶️
If you love a little kick in your salad, then the spicy Thai cucumber salad is the perfect choice for you! This vibrant and zesty salad combines the freshness of cucumbers with the heat of Thai chilies and the tanginess of lime juice. It’s a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | English cucumbers |
| 2 | Thai chilies (or to taste) |
| 3 tablespoons | Fish sauce |
| 2 tablespoons | Lime juice |
| 1 tablespoon | Sugar |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/4 cup | Peanuts, chopped |
| Handful | Fresh cilantro, chopped |
Instructions:
1. Cut the cucumbers into thin slices and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and minced garlic.
3. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss well.
4. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Get ready for a burst of flavors with every bite of this spicy Thai cucumber salad!
3. Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) 🌶️
Korean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and the Korean spicy cucumber salad, or Oi Muchim, is no exception. This salad features crunchy cucumbers tossed in a vibrant dressing made with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), garlic, sesame oil, and other aromatic ingredients. It’s the perfect side dish to complement any Korean meal!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Seedless cucumbers |
| 1 teaspoon | Salt |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1 tablespoon | Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) |
| 1 teaspoon | Sugar |
| 2 teaspoons | Vinegar |
| 1 teaspoon | Sesame oil |
| 1 teaspoon | Sesame seeds |
| 2 tablespoons | Chopped green onions |
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly to remove excess salt and pat them dry.
4. In a separate bowl, mix minced garlic, gochugaru, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions.
5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss well.
6. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Experience the fiery flavors of Korea with this delicious and spicy cucumber salad!
4. Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad 🥒
The Chinese smashed cucumber salad is a unique and fun dish that will impress your taste buds. The cucumbers are lightly smashed to release their juices, then mixed with a tangy dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. This simple yet flavorful salad is a must-try for cucumber lovers!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Persian cucumbers |
| 1 teaspoon | Salt |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1 tablespoon | Soy sauce |
| 1 tablespoon | Rice vinegar |
| 1 teaspoon | Sesame oil |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Sugar |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Red pepper flakes (optional) |
| Few springs | Fresh cilantro, chopped |
Instructions:
1. Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and lightly smash them with a rolling pin or the flat side of a knife.
2. Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add the cucumber pieces to the bowl and toss well to coat them with the dressing.
5. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Indulge in the unique texture and flavors of the Chinese smashed cucumber salad!
5. Vietnamese Cucumber Salad with Shrimp 🍤
If you’re a seafood lover, this Vietnamese cucumber salad with shrimp is a delightful option. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, and the tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s a light and refreshing salad that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | English cucumbers |
| 1/2 pound | Shrimp, cooked and peeled |
| 1/4 cup | Fish sauce |
| 2 tablespoons | Lime juice |
| 2 tablespoons | Sugar |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1 | Carrot, julienned |
| 1/4 cup | Mint leaves, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Roasted peanuts, chopped |
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and minced garlic.
3. Add the julienned carrot and cooked shrimp to the bowl and toss well.
4. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Sprinkle chopped mint leaves and roasted peanuts on top before serving.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this delectable cucumber salad!
6. Thai Peanut Cucumber Noodles 🍜
If you’re looking for a creative way to enjoy cucumbers, try making Thai peanut cucumber noodles. This recipe transforms cucumber into noodles using a spiralizer, then tosses them in a creamy and flavorful peanut sauce. It’s a satisfying and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | English cucumbers |
| 1/4 cup | Smooth peanut butter |
| 2 tablespoons | Soy sauce |
| 2 tablespoons | Lime juice |
| 1 tablespoon | Honey or maple syrup |
| 1 clove | Garlic, minced |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Red pepper flakes |
| Few sprigs | Fresh cilantro, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped peanuts |
Instructions:
1. Spiralize the cucumbers to create noodle-like strands and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add the cucumber noodles to the bowl and toss well to coat them with the peanut sauce.
4. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts before serving.
Enjoy a unique twist on noodles with these refreshing and healthy Thai peanut cucumber noodles!
7. Indian Cucumber Raita 🌶️
No list of Asian cucumber salads is complete without mentioning the famous Indian cucumber raita. This cool and creamy yogurt-based salad is the perfect accompaniment to spicy Indian dishes. The combination of cucumbers, yogurt, mint, and spices creates a refreshing and soothing effect on your palate.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | English cucumbers |
| 1 cup | Plain yogurt |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Cumin powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Coriander powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Red chili powder or paprika |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh mint leaves, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh cilantro, chopped |
| To taste | Salt |
Instructions:
1. Peel the cucumbers and grate them using a box grater or a food processor.
2. Squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumbers and set them aside.
3.