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Crispy Cucumber Salad with Sesame

Crispy Cucumber Salad with Sesame - featured image
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A quick, 5-minute side dish featuring crisp English cucumbers tossed in a tangy sesame, vinegar, and sugar dressing. This recipe uses a salting technique to ensure maximum crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers and slice them into half-moons or ribbons. Aim for uniform thickness.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle generously with salt. Toss to coat and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. While cucumbers sit, thinly slice the red onion. If desired, soak onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
  4. Drain the cucumbers in a colander, rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess salt, and squeeze gently to remove as much water as possible.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved.
  6. Return the dried cucumbers to the mixing bowl, add the drained red onions, and pour the dressing over the top. Toss thoroughly.
  7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, give one final toss, and serve immediately for the best crunch.

Notes

Do not skip the salting step; it is crucial for removing water and ensuring the salad stays crispy. English cucumbers are preferred for their fewer seeds and crisp texture. If using standard cucumbers, scoop out the seeds before slicing. The salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, sesame salad, quick side dish, vegan side dish, gluten-free, summer salad, crispy vegetables, 5-minute recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/crispy-cucumber-salad-with-sesame-5-min-easy-side-dish/