Cucumber salad is a popular dish that can be found in many cuisines around the world. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of this dish, it's believed to have originated in Asia, where cucumbers have been cultivated for thousands of years.

In China, cucumber salads are a common side dish that's often served with spicy Szechuan cuisine. Similarly, in Japan, cucumber salad is a staple dish that's typically served alongside sushi and other seafood dishes. In Korea, cucumber salad is known as oi-muchim, and it's often flavored with chili paste and sesame oil.

Cucumber salads are also popular in the Middle East, where they are often paired with yogurt or tahini. In fact, one of the most famous cucumber salads in the Middle East is the Israeli salad, which is made with finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and lemon juice.

Today, cucumber salad has become a popular dish around the world, with many different variations and flavor combinations.

If you are ooking for a light and healthy salad that's full of flavor and easy to make? Look no further than this delicious cucumber salad recipe! Made with crisp Persian cucumbers, garlic, chili, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying side dish that's perfect for any meal. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty and wholesome salad.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by washing the Persian cucumber and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Trim off the ends of the cucumber and discard them.
2. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt over the chopped cucumber, making sure to distribute it evenly. Set the cucumber aside for 10 minutes, allowing the salt to draw out any excess water.
3. In the meantime, finely chop the garlic and chili and set them aside.
4. After 10 minutes, you'll notice that the salt has drawn out water from the cucumber. Drain the water and rinse the cucumber with cold water to remove any excess salt.
5. In a mixing bowl, add the drained cucumber, chopped garlic, chopped chili, 1 tsp of light soy sauce, 1 tsp of black or white vinegar, and 1 tsp of sesame oil.
6. Mix all of the ingredients together well, making sure that the cucumber is coated with the seasoning.
7. Serve the cucumber salad immediately while it's still fresh and crunchy. Enjoy!

Ingredients Overview:

1. Persian cucumber: This type of cucumber is smaller and thinner than traditional cucumbers and has a delicate, sweet flavor. It's the perfect choice for this salad, as it holds its shape well and doesn't release too much water.
2. Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the salad, while also providing numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
3. Chili: Chili adds a bit of heat to the salad, and also provides a range of health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
4. Salt: Salt is used to season the cucumber and help draw out any excess water, resulting in a crisp and crunchy texture.
5. Light soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the salad, while also providing a source of protein.
6. Black or white vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy and acidic flavor to the salad, which helps balance out the other flavors. Black or white vinegar can be used, depending on your personal preference.
7. Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a rich and nutty flavor to the salad, while also providing numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

Asian Style Crunchy Cucumber Salad As Featured On Youtube

FAQS: Asian Style Crunchy Cucumber Salad

Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

A: Yes, you can use regular cucumbers in this recipe, but be aware that they may release more water and have a slightly different texture compared to Persian cucumbers.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: This salad is best served fresh while the cucumbers are still crisp and crunchy. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and mix them together just before serving.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables to this salad, such as sliced onions, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Just be aware that they may alter the flavor and texture of the salad.

Q: Can I make this salad spicy?

A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili to make the salad more or less spicy, depending on your preference.

Q: Is this salad healthy?

A: Yes, this cucumber salad is a healthy and nutritious option, as it's low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Q: Can I use other types of vinegar instead of black or white vinegar?

A: Yes, you can use other types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, depending on your personal preference.