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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 Persian cucumbers
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tbsp garlic minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
   Begin by rinsing the Persian cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to ensure they're clean. Next, using a sharp knife, slice one end of each cucumber at an angle. Continue slicing them at the same angle until you've worked your way through all the cucumbers. Aim for slices that are more oval than round, adjusting the thickness to match your personal preference for a bit of crispness.

2. Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers
   Once all cucumbers are sliced, place them into a large bowl or container. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt evenly over the slices. Toss the cucumbers gently to ensure the salt is distributed evenly across all pieces. This step helps draw out excess moisture, which concentrates the flavors and gives the salad that delightful crunch. Allow them to sit in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

3. Step 3: Drain and Rinse
   After a good chill, you'll notice some water has pooled at the bottom of the bowl. Go ahead and drain off this excess liquid. For an extra step of freshness, give the cucumbers a quick rinse under cold water to remove any excess salt. Once rinsed, pop them back into the bowl or container, ready for the flavorful dressing.

4. Step 4: Mix the Dressing
   Now for the fun part—bringing all those flavors together! Add the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if you're a garlic fan) to the cucumbers. Stir everything together until the cucumbers are well coated. The dressing should clings beautifully to each slice, creating a tantalizing blend of tangy, spicy, and nutty flavors.

5. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
   Your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is now ready to be devoured. You can serve it immediately for a fresher taste or let it sit for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together even more. This dish makes a refreshing side to any meal or a satisfying snack on its own. Enjoy the crisp, flavorful delight!

Notes

Ah, the delightful journey of crafting an Easy Asian Cucumber Salad! While this recipe is a breeze, a few common missteps can trip you up.

First, slicing cucumbers too thick can make the salad too crunchy. Aim for thin, even slices for that perfect balance of texture.

Rushing the salting step? Tempting, but it’s key for drawing out excess moisture, ensuring your salad isn't a watery affair. Patience, my friend, is your ally here.

When it comes to seasoning, precision is important. Overdoing soy sauce can overpower the delicate flavors. Measure carefully and taste as you go.

Lastly, skipping the rinse after salting? Easy to overlook, but essential to avoid a too-salty bite.

With these tips, your cucumber salad will shine every time!

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