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Spicy garlic cucumber salad with chili oil dressing in a white bowl

Spicy Garlic Cucumber Salad

This vibrant cucumber salad combines crisp cucumbers with a bold garlic-chili dressing for a refreshing side dish that packs serious flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large English cucumbers about 1.5 lbs total
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili oil adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or sharp knife. Place in a colander and toss with salt. Let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. While cucumbers drain, make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, chili oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
  3. Rinse the salted cucumbers briefly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
  4. Add the cucumbers to the dressing bowl and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Let the salad marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.