10 Recipes for Making Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad

1. Classic Sesame Cucumber Salad

This Classic Sesame Cucumber Salad is simple, healthy, and delicious. It features fresh cucumbers, a tangy sesame dressing, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the sliced cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

2. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

For a spicy twist, this Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad brings the heat with gochugaru and garlic. A perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine gochugaru, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Add the cucumber slices and mix thoroughly until well coated.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. Chill for about 30 minutes for best flavor.

3. Sweet and Tangy Thai Cucumber Salad

This Sweet and Tangy Thai Cucumber Salad is a vibrant mix of cucumbers, cilantro, and a tangy sweet dressing with a hint of lime.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
• 1 small red chili, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the cucumbers and toss to coat in the dressing.
3. Top with cilantro, chopped peanuts, and red chili for a bit of heat. Serve chilled.

4. Chinese-Style Garlic Cucumber Salad

A flavorful and aromatic cucumber salad with garlic and sesame oil.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, smashed and cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the cucumbers and toss to coat.
3. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

5. Vietnamese Cucumber and Mint Salad

A refreshing cucumber salad with a hint of mint and lime.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.
2. Add cucumbers and mint leaves, then toss to combine.
3. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes.

6. Japanese Sunomono

A classic Japanese cucumber salad with a sweet and tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
2. Add cucumbers and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

7. Cucumber and Peanut Salad

A crunchy and savory cucumber salad with roasted peanuts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
2. Add cucumbers and toss to coat.
3. Top with chopped peanuts before serving.

8. Mango and Cucumber Salad

A tropical and vibrant salad with mango and cucumber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix lime juice, honey, cilantro, and salt.
2. Add cucumber and mango, then toss gently.
3. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.

9. Sichuan Spicy Cucumber Salad

A bold and spicy cucumber salad with Sichuan flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, smashed and cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp chili oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.
2. Add cucumbers and toss to coat.
3. Let marinate for 20 minutes before serving.