This refreshing spicy cucumber salad is a perfect mix of crunchy cucumbers with a kick! It’s light, zesty, and super easy to whip up, making it a great side dish for any meal.
I love how the spicy dressing adds a fun twist to simple cucumbers. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every week! Plus, it takes just minutes to prepare—who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh, medium cucumbers are best for this salad. If you prefer a sweeter, crunchier bite, try using English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, which have fewer seeds. For a twist, you could also use other veggies like zucchini.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar offers a nice mild flavor, but if you don’t have it, white vinegar works just fine. Apple cider vinegar adds an interesting taste too. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit stronger.
Sugar: The sugar balances out the acidity of the vinegar. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you can use honey or a sugar substitute like agave syrup. Just adjust to your taste!
Chili flakes: I love the kick from chili flakes! Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Sriracha or chili paste can be used instead for a different kind of heat.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Cucumbers?
To get the best texture for your cucumber salad, it’s important to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers. Here’s how:
- After slicing, toss with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- This process helps keep the salad from becoming watery. Don’t skip this step!
- Once they’ve rested, drain the liquid and pat them dry with paper towels to keep them crisp.
Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty spicy cucumber salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes, including the time to let the flavors blend. Quick and effortless!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife, thinly slice them into rounds. Place the slices in a medium bowl.
2. Salt and Drain:
Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber slices and toss them gently to combine. Let the cucumbers sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to draw out excess moisture and keep the salad crisp. After 10 minutes, drain any liquid that has pooled at the bottom of the bowl and gently pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess salt and moisture.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, and minced garlic. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This dressing is what brings the heat and flavor to your salad!
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the prepared dressing over the drained cucumbers. Toss everything together gently until the cucumber slices are well coated with the dressing. Make sure each piece gets that delicious flavor!
5. Add the Garnish:
If you’re using fresh cilantro or green onions, sprinkle them over the salad. You can also add toasted sesame seeds for some extra crunch and flavor. Give it a light toss to distribute.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy this crunchy, spicy, and refreshing salad!
Enjoy your quick, flavorful, and spicy cucumber salad, perfect for a light appetizer or a bright side dish!
FAQ for Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While medium cucumbers work well, you can also use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for a slightly sweeter flavor and fewer seeds. Just adjust the quantity based on size!
How Do I Adjust the Spiciness?
If you prefer a milder salad, start with just 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and add more to taste. You can also substitute chili flakes with Sriracha or another hot sauce for a different heat profile. Always taste as you go!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may lose some of their crispness over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just keep it covered in the fridge to let the flavors meld. However, for the best texture, finish adding the dressing right before serving to keep the cucumbers crunchy.
