why make this recipe
This salad is fast, fresh, and bright. It uses simple ingredients and gives a spicy, tangy crunch. Make it when you want a light side or a quick snack.
introduction
Spicy Asian Spiral Cucumber Salad is a cool and spicy dish. The cucumbers stay crisp and soak up the sauce. It needs little time and little work.
how to make Spicy Asian Spiral Cucumber Salad
Follow these steps to get a crunchy, spicy cucumber salad.
Ingredients
- 3 Persian cucumbers
- ½ Tablespoon gochugaru
- 2 teaspoons gf tamari or soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon garlic olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ Tablespoon maple syrup
- Pinch Sea salt
Directions
Trim off both ends of the cucumbers. Place a cucumber between chopsticks and thinly slice crosswise without totally slicing off. Flip and slice on the other side diagonally. In a bowl, toss cucumber with a pinch of salt and gently massage. Set aside for 15 minutes to tenderize and squeeze out excess water. In a clean bowl, toss the squeezed cucumber with gochugaru, soy sauce, garlic olive oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and another pinch of salt. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Serve cold or chilled.
how to serve Spicy Asian Spiral Cucumber Salad
Serve it cold or chilled. Put it next to grilled chicken, fish, or rice. Or use it as a light side with noodles or sandwiches.
how to store Spicy Asian Spiral Cucumber Salad
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 2 days for best crunch. Drain any extra liquid before serving if it sits for a while.
tips to make Spicy Asian Spiral Cucumber Salad
- Use Persian cucumbers for thin skin and fewer seeds.
- Massage with salt to remove extra water and keep crunch.
- Chill before serving so flavors mellow and taste better.
- Taste the dressing and adjust salt, vinegar, or maple syrup to your liking.
variation (if any)
- Add sesame seeds for a nutty touch.
- Mix in thin slices of carrot or radish for color.
- Use chili flakes if you don’t have gochugaru.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular cucumbers?
A: Yes. Peel and remove seeds if they have thick skin or many seeds.
Q: Is gochugaru spicy?
A: Gochugaru is mildly spicy and slightly sweet. Adjust amount to your heat level.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can make it a few hours ahead. It is best eaten within 2 days.
Q: Can I skip maple syrup?
A: Yes. You can use a little sugar or honey, or leave it out for less sweetness.
Conclusion
For a quick recipe guide and more tips on spicy Asian cucumber salads, see Easy & Quick Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad – Christie at Home.
Print
Spicy Asian Spiral Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fast, fresh, and spicy salad that uses simple ingredients to deliver a crunchy and tangy taste, perfect as a light side or quick snack.
Ingredients
- 3 Persian cucumbers
- ½ Tablespoon gochugaru
- 2 teaspoons gf tamari or soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon garlic olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ Tablespoon maple syrup
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Trim off both ends of the cucumbers.
- Place a cucumber between chopsticks and thinly slice it crosswise without totally slicing off.
- Flip and slice on the other side diagonally.
- In a bowl, toss cucumber with a pinch of salt and gently massage. Set aside for 15 minutes to tenderize and squeeze out excess water.
- In a clean bowl, toss the squeezed cucumber with gochugaru, soy sauce, garlic olive oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and another pinch of salt.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving cold or chilled.
Notes
Serve it cold alongside grilled chicken, fish, or rice. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2 days for the best crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: salad, cucumber, spicy, Asian, quick recipe