Tired of the same old salad routine? Craving something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This spicy cucumber salad is the perfect quick dinner idea or side dish, easily adaptable to your taste and perfect for those hot summer days. It's a delicious dish, effortlessly homemade, and a healthy meal option too! Get ready to elevate your culinary game with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 red chili peppers, finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
-
Prep the Vegetables: Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and red onion. Aim for even slices for consistent cooking and a pleasing presentation. Chopping the cilantro ensures it's well distributed throughout the salad. Finely mincing the chili peppers gives a consistent level of spiciness.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), minced chili peppers, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the amount of chili peppers to control the spiciness—start with one and add more if you prefer it extra fiery!
-
Combine and Marinate: Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the slices are evenly coated. Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious salad.
-
Serve and Enjoy: After marinating, garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds (if using). Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light and healthy main course.
Tips for the Best Spicy Cucumber Salad:
- Cucumber Selection: Choose firm, crisp cucumbers for the best texture. English cucumbers work particularly well as they have fewer seeds.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference. For a milder salad, start with a half a chili pepper and add more as needed.
- Marinating Time: Allowing the salad to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavors. For even more intense flavors, marinate for up to 30 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- More Veggies: Include other vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or shredded cabbage for added nutrients and crunch.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or basil for a unique flavor profile.
- Peanut Butter Dressing: For a richer, nuttier flavor, replace the sesame oil with peanut oil and add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the dressing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This spicy cucumber salad is a healthy and delicious option for a quick and easy meal. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and the simple preparation! It's a perfect example of how easy and tasty homemade cooking can be. This recipe is sure to become a favorite among your best recipes.