Tangy Shaken Asian Cucumber (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers tossed in tangy Asian flavors provide a refreshing side or snack in minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
03 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (substitute tamari for gluten-free)
06 - 2 teaspoons sesame oil
07 - 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
08 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Additional toasted sesame seeds, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Place the sliced cucumbers, spring onions, and chili (if using) into a large jar with a tight-fitting lid or a large salad bowl with a cover.
02 - Whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables.
04 - Seal the jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds or toss thoroughly if using a bowl to coat vegetables evenly.
05 - Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Sprinkle chopped cilantro and extra toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's genuinely ready in 10 minutes, no shortcuts or hidden prep work.
  • That shake method somehow tastes better than simply tossing, coating every slice with intention.
  • The balance of tangy, sweet, and savory keeps you reaching for another bite.
  • Works as a side dish, snack, or the calm voice in a spicy meal.
02 -
  • Don't skip grating the ginger fresh—ground ginger turns dusty and loses that sharp, clean bite that defines this salad.
  • The jar-shaking method actually coats the cucumbers more evenly than tossing because the dressing doesn't pool at the bottom.
  • Add the cilantro at the very end or it'll wilt into insignificance; that fresh herb is your final flourish.
03 -
  • Always use a jar with a truly tight-fitting lid—a loose seal means dressing splatter and uneven coating, neither of which is your friend.
  • Chill your cucumbers and even your dressing ingredients before assembling if you want maximum crispness and a cooling effect that feels almost restorative on warm days.
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