Name: Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (Persian or English cucumbers work best for their mild flavor and small seeds); 1 tsp salt, for drawing out moisture from cucumbers; 1-2 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust for preferred spice level); 2 cloves garlic, minced (for a zesty base flavor); 2 tbsp rice vinegar (adds a tangy note); 1 tbsp soy sauce (brings in a savory umami); 1 tbsp sesame oil (for richness and a toasty aroma); 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (balances the spice with a hint of sweetness); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional but adds a nutty crunch); Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (Persian or English cucumbers work best for their mild flavor and small seeds)
1 tsp salt, for drawing out moisture from cucumbers
1–2 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust for preferred spice level)
2 cloves garlic, minced (for a zesty base flavor)
2 tbsp rice vinegar (adds a tangy note)
1 tbsp soy sauce (brings in a savory umami)
1 tbsp sesame oil (for richness and a toasty aroma)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (balances the spice with a hint of sweetness)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional but adds a nutty crunch)
Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep the Cucumbers:

Thinly slice the cucumbers (about ¼-inch thick).
Sprinkle the slices with salt, let sit for 10 minutes, and then drain. This step ensures a crispier texture by removing excess water.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and sliced red chilies.
Whisk everything together until the honey is fully dissolved and you have a smooth, spicy dressing.

3. Assemble the Salad:

Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
In a large bowl, toss the cucumbers with the dressing until well-coated. Ensure every slice has a bit of that chili-garlic goodness.

4. Add Garnishes:

Top the salad with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or green onions.
Optional: Add more sliced chilies on top for a colorful and spicy touch.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately, or for a more intense flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the cucumbers to absorb the dressing.
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this dish before diving in!

Extra Tips for Success:

Adjusting Spice: Start with less chili if you’re unsure, and add more based on your taste.
Toasting Sesame Seeds: If you have raw sesame seeds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 100
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g