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- 2 large cucumbers - 2 green onions - Cilantro (optional) - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon Sriracha - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Prep time: 10 minutes - Total time: 40 minutes - Servings: 4 The spicy sesame cucumber salad shines with its fresh and crunchy textures. You need two large cucumbers for this recipe. Slice them thinly to keep the crunch. You can use two green onions, finely chopped, for a mild onion flavor. If you like, add cilantro for a fresh touch. For the pantry ingredients, you will need one teaspoon of salt. The salt helps to draw out moisture from the cucumbers. Use two tablespoons of soy sauce for that umami depth. A tablespoon of rice vinegar adds a nice tang. Sesame oil gives a rich, nutty flavor. You can sweeten the salad with one teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. One tablespoon of Sriracha gives it a spicy kick. Adjust this to your taste. A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger adds warmth. Finally, finish with one tablespoon of sesame seeds for crunch. This salad is quick to make. It takes only 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes total. It serves four people, making it perfect for a small gathering. Enjoy making this fresh and vibrant dish! - Thinly slice cucumbers. - Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Start by slicing the cucumbers. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Thin slices help the salad soak up the dressing well. The salt draws out moisture, making your salad crisp and fresh. - Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. - Whisk in honey or maple syrup, Sriracha, and ginger. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. These ingredients create a savory and tangy base. Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Then, stir in Sriracha for heat and freshly grated ginger for zest. This dressing brings all the flavors together. - Drain excess moisture from cucumbers. - Toss cucumbers with dressing. - Add sesame seeds and green onions. After the cucumbers sit, drain any liquid. This step keeps the salad from getting soggy. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss well. Finally, add sesame seeds and chopped green onions for crunch and flavor. Let the salad rest for ten minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors mix nicely. Enjoy your fresh and spicy salad! Let the salad rest before serving. This step helps the flavors mix well. After you mix in the dressing, let it sit for ten extra minutes. This time allows the cucumbers to soak up the taste. If you like spice, adjust the Sriracha to your taste. Start with one tablespoon and add more if needed. This way, you control how spicy it gets. Adding toppings can make the salad even better. Try using nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Toasted sesame seeds work great and add flavor. Chopped peanuts or almonds can also bring a nice bite. Feel free to mix and match different toppings for variety. Garnishing with cilantro adds a fresh touch. Just sprinkle some on top before serving. It not only looks good but also adds flavor. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. You can pair it with grilled meats or rice dishes for a full meal. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by using different vinegars or oils. For a tangy twist, try apple cider vinegar. It adds a nice zing. You can also swap sesame oil for olive oil. This will give the salad a lighter taste. Experiment with your favorite flavors. It’s fun to discover what you like best! Want to make your salad heartier? Add protein! Tofu works great. Cut it into small cubes and toss it in. If you prefer meat, shredded chicken is a tasty choice. Both options boost the salad's protein and make it more filling. You can make your salad more colorful and crunchy with extra veggies. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them in. Avocados give a creamy texture. They also add healthy fats. Slice them and gently fold them into the salad for a delicious twist. To keep your spicy sesame cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors strong and the cucumbers crunchy. Make sure to refrigerate it right after serving. If you have leftovers, place them in the fridge within two hours. The salad tastes best when eaten within a few days. The spicy sesame cucumber salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After this time, the cucumbers can become soggy. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks or smells strange, it’s best to throw it away. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing changes the texture of the cucumbers. They can become mushy once thawed. Instead, enjoy the salad fresh for the best taste and crunch. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great when it sits for a while. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will blend, and the salad will be extra tasty. If you don’t have Sriracha, you can use other hot sauces. Try using chili paste or a bit of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount to your taste. If you want less heat, use a mild sauce or just skip it altogether. Yes, the Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad is both vegan and gluten-free. It contains no animal products and uses gluten-free soy sauce. You can enjoy it without worry about dietary restrictions. To make it spicier, add more Sriracha. You can also include red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat for your liking. This blog post shared a simple way to make Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad. We covered fresh and pantry ingredients, including the best tips for taste and storage. You can customize the salad with protein or other veggies. Remember, letting the salad sit boosts flavor. With these steps, you can create a delicious dish. Enjoy making it your own!

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

Discover the refreshing taste of our Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad! This easy recipe features crisp cucumbers tossed in a zesty dressing made with soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of Sriracha for that perfect kick. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a delicious side dish or snack to spice up any meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this flavorful salad that’s sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 green onions, finely chopped

Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the thinly sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Sprinkle them with salt and gently toss to coat. Let the cucumbers sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, Sriracha, and grated ginger until well combined.

      After the cucumbers have released some of their moisture, drain any excess liquid.

        Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until they are evenly coated.

          Add sesame seeds and chopped green onions to the bowl. Mix gently to combine.

            Let the salad sit for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4