Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this spicy cucumber salad! It’s one of those dishes that just screams refreshment, especially on a hot day or when you want something light yet packed with flavor. The crunch of fresh cucumbers paired with a zesty kick from the chili flakes is pure bliss! I remember the first time I made this, I was just experimenting with what I had in my kitchen, and wow, it turned out to be a game-changer! The combination of rice vinegar and soy sauce adds this delightful tang that complements the cucumbers perfectly. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal or a fabulous appetizer for gatherings. Get ready to spice up your life with this tasty treat!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of fresh cucumbers, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon of red chili flakes, adjust to your spice preference
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for that perfect tang
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to enhance the flavors
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma
- 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the spice
- 1 green onion, chopped finely for a fresh garnish
How to Prepare Spicy Cucumber Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, wash those beautiful cucumbers under cold water. You want them nice and clean! Then, slice them thinly—about a quarter inch thick works best. This way, they soak up all that delicious dressing.
- In a medium bowl, combine the red chili flakes, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Give it a good stir! You want the sugar to dissolve completely, creating a lovely, tangy dressing that’s going to elevate those cucumbers.
- Now, it’s time to add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl. Don’t be shy—toss them in there! Use a spatula or your hands (I prefer hands for that personal touch) to mix everything together, ensuring each cucumber slice is coated in that zesty dressing.
- Once everything is combined, sprinkle in the chopped green onion. It adds a burst of freshness that balances out the heat from the chili flakes.
- Here’s the magic part: cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite more irresistible!
- After the wait (it’ll be worth it, I promise!), give it another gentle stir before serving. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a side or appetizer, and watch it disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip it up in just 10 minutes!
- Refreshing and light, perfect for warm days or when you’re craving something crisp.
- Low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile enough to serve as a tasty side dish or a delightful appetizer.
- Customizable spice levels to suit your taste—make it as fiery or mild as you like!
Nutritional Information
This spicy cucumber salad is not only delicious but also quite healthy! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 80 calories, with 3g of fat and 2g of protein. You’ll also get 12g of carbohydrates, including 2g of fiber. It’s low in sugar at just 5g, making it a fantastic choice for a light meal or snack. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences and dietary needs!
Tips for Success
To make the best spicy cucumber salad, here are a few handy tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, always use the freshest cucumbers you can find. They make all the difference in flavor and crunch—trust me! If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with just a pinch of chili flakes and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want that extra kick!
Also, play around with the dressing! A splash of lime juice can brighten things up, or you could throw in some chopped cilantro for a fresh twist. When serving, consider pairing it with grilled meats or even as a topping for tacos. This salad is super versatile! And don’t forget to let it chill; the longer it sits, the better those flavors will meld together. Enjoy your spicy creation!
FAQ Section
Common Questions about Spicy Cucumber Salad
Got questions about this spicy cucumber salad? No worries, I’ve got you covered! One common question is, “How long can I store this salad?” Well, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just remember, the cucumbers will get a bit softer over time, but the flavors will still be fantastic!
Another popular inquiry is about variations. You can easily switch up the veggies—try adding shredded carrots or even radishes for added crunch! If you want to make it a bit more filling, toss in some quinoa or chickpeas.
Lastly, many wonder how to serve it. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack. You could even use it to top tacos for a zesty finish. Enjoy exploring all the possibilities!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your spicy cucumber salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the cucumbers will soften over time. If you’re serving it after refrigeration, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up. I love enjoying it cold, right out of the fridge, but you can also let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to really bring out those vibrant flavors. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
For more information on the health benefits of cucumbers, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for a delicious pairing, consider trying this Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce as a side dish!
Imprimer
Spicy Cucumber Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delight
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and spicy cucumber salad.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cucumbers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers.
- In a bowl, mix chili flakes, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.
- Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl.
- Mix well to coat the cucumbers.
- Garnish with chopped green onion.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes for desired spiciness.
- Use fresh cucumbers for the best flavor.
- Can be served as a side dish or appetizer.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 3g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: spicy cucumber salad
