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Asian Cucumber Salad

A refreshing Asian cucumber salad with garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs. Light, crunchy, and full of flavour, perfect as a quick side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 piece large cucumber
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 tsp of sugar
  • 3 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
  • ½ piece fresh red chili deseeded and finely chopped optional
  • 5 sprigs of coriander finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp roasted white sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Smash the cucumber with the side of your cleaver or a rolling pin and then roughly chop the cucumber into cubes. Smashing the cucumber allows the sauces to seep into the cucumber giving it more flavour.
  2. Place all the chopped cucumber pieces into a sieve over a bowl.
  3. Sprinkle with some salt and set aside for 15 to 20 minutes. The salt helps draw the water out of the cucumber giving it a bit more crunch.
  4. Finely chop the garlic, fresh coriander, fresh red chili (if using).
  5. To complete the cucumber salad, pour the drained cucumber into a bowl.
  6. Now add the soy, seasoned rice vinegar, garlic, coriander, sugar and chili.
  7. Mix well. It can be eaten immediately or kept in the fridge until serving.

Notes

  • Smashing the cucumber creates rough surfaces that absorb the dressing better than slicing.
  • The salad can be eaten immediately or chilled in the fridge before serving.
  • Adjust chili depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
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