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Rolling Sauce

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

Crisp cucumber slices tossed in a sweet, salty, slightly spicy sesame-soy dressing — ready in about 15 minutes including a quick salting step.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salads & Sides
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • - 2 English cucumbers thinly sliced
  • - 1/2 tsp salt
For the Dressing
  • - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • - 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • - 1 tsp sesame oil
  • - 1 tsp honey or sugar
  • - 1/2 tsp red chili flakes plus more to taste
  • - 1 clove garlic minced
For Topping
  • - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • - 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or cilantro

Method
 

  1. Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander, toss with the salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
  2. Pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, chili flakes, and garlic.
  4. Add the cucumbers to the bowl and toss to coat in the dressing.
  5. Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped mint or cilantro just before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Make ahead: Slice and salt the cucumbers ahead, but toss with dressing close to serving for the crispest texture.
  • Swap: Add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch, or lightly crush the cucumber slices for a smashed-cucumber style.