Spicy Cucumber Salad

This spicy cucumber salad recipe is made with 5 ingredients and comes together in less than 10 minutes. Each bite is full of bold, refreshing, and Asian-inspired flavors. Serve it as a light snack, appetizer, or side dish!

If you're looking for a super quick and easy-to-make bite to eat, this spicy cucumber salad recipe is just the thing. And if you love simple, bold salads, you’ll also enjoy my Japanese-inspired kani salad!

Why I Love This Recipe

This spicy cucumber salad recipe is one of those dishes I make on repeat because it’s so simple yet so flavorful. It comes together in 10 minutes with just a few ingredients—mini cucumbers, chili garlic sauce, and a touch of brown sugar.

The cucumbers are first marinated in salt, then tossed in a simple homemade sauce, creating a fusion of crunchy, spicy, salty, and slightly sweet. I love to serve mine with toasted sesame seeds, but it’s completely up to you!

It’s one of my favorite recipes for an afternoon pick-me-up, but it also pairs incredibly well with ramen, stir-fries, spring rolls, and other noodle dishes. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or complement a meal, this is a recipe you’ll soon be making over and over again.

Ingredient Notes

Here's a breakdown of the ingredients you'll need to make this spicy cucumber salad recipe.

• Cucumbers: It’s best to use Persian cucumbers (mini cucumbers) for this type of salad. They are smooth, crisp, and bite-sized.
• Chili garlic sauce: Either store-bought or homemade chili garlic sauce will work, but I’m partial to homemade! It adds the perfect amount of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
• Salt: Draws liquid from the cucumbers, creating a crispy salad texture and preventing it from becoming too watery.
• Brown sugar: Provides sweetness with a rich complexity. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar as an equally delicious alternative.
• Sesame seeds: I love to garnish my spicy cucumber salad with sesame seeds. They impart nutty, toasty flavors while also adding healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Substitutions

• Cucumbers: If you only have regular-sized cucumbers available, go for English cucumbers over field cucumbers. Use an equal amount, but scoop out the seeds if they contain too much water.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: For a similar heat level with slight differences in flavor, swap in equal amounts of Sriracha or sambal oelek.
• Brown Sugar: If you don't have brown sugar, use maple syrup or agave.
• Sesame Seeds: For a crunchier texture and a slightly richer taste, try crushed peanuts or toasted almonds!

How to Make

This spicy cucumber salad recipe comes together in no time! Follow my tips and tricks for the best results.

Preparation

Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Cut the ends off and slice the cucumbers into ½-inch rounds, keeping them uniform to ensure even marination.

Assembly

Step 1
Place the slices in a mixing bowl, sprinkle them with salt, and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for 20-25 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which enhances their crunch and helps them absorb flavors better.

Step 2
Once they have marinated, drain the liquid released from the cucumbers. Toss the slices with brown sugar and chili garlic sauce. Taste and add more chili garlic sauce, salt, or sugar to your liking.

Step 3
Serve this spicy cucumber salad immediately, sprinkled with sesame seeds for extra crunch and a toasty flavor.

Expert Tip

The secret to the perfect spicy cucumber salad lies in the salting step. Let the cucumbers sit with salt for at least 20 minutes to extract excess water while increasing their crisp texture.

Skipping this step will lead to a watery salad that dilutes the flavors of the dressing. Just remember to pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel after draining them to help them absorb more of the chili garlic sauce (wet cucumbers won’t hold onto the dressing as well).

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this spicy cucumber salad recipe on its own for a refreshing mid-afternoon snack, or serve it alongside mains like stir-fried glass noodles, Korean ramen noodles, chow fun noodles, TikTok ramen, or vegan lemongrass ramen.

Alternatively, you can make a spread with other sides and finger foods (think lettuce wraps, crispy baked tofu, spring rolls, kani salad, and miso garlic green beans).

Recipe Tips

• Try Smashing the Cucumbers: Lightly smashing the cucumbers before cutting helps them absorb the dressing better and gives a slightly different texture. Use the side of a knife or rolling pin to gently press them before slicing.
• Adjust the Heat Level: If you love extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha. For a milder version, use less chili garlic sauce or mix it with some soy sauce to balance the heat.
• Balance the Sweetness: Brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness that balances the heat. If you prefer a more savory salad, reduce the sugar slightly or replace it with a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Let It Sit for More Flavor: For a deeper flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing. This allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing and become more flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing

Once assembled, this spicy cucumber salad recipe will last for up to 4 days in the fridge. I always prefer it freshly made, so it’s best to keep mini cucumbers and a jar of chili garlic sauce ready in the fridge for when hunger strikes!

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