Cool Cucumbers Meet Bold Chili Flavor!

A crunchy, refreshing cucumber salad brought to life with bold chili oil, garlic, and sesame — perfect as a spicy summer side or a light, punchy snack. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish blends cool and hot in every bite.

🧾 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 10–15 minutes (optional, for deeper flavor)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Difficulty: Easy
Flavor Intensity: Cool, spicy, tangy, and savory

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 large cucumbers (Persian or English), smashed and cut into bite-sized chunks
1 teaspoon salt (for draining moisture)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional, balances the heat)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to heat preference)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
1 scallion, finely sliced (for garnish)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Smash & Salt the Cucumbers

Cut off ends of cucumbers and lightly smash them with the side of a knife or rolling pin.
Break into rough chunks and place in a bowl.
Toss with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to drain excess water. Then drain off the liquid.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

To the drained cucumbers, add minced garlic, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil.
Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Let marinate for 10–15 minutes for deeper flavor (optional, but recommended).

Step 3: Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions.
Serve immediately or chilled for maximum refreshment.

🍽️ Serving & Pairing Tips

Serve as a side with grilled meat, Asian dishes, or noodles.
Also makes a spicy, crunchy snack on hot days!
For extra crunch, add crushed peanuts on top before serving.

🧠 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	90 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbs	6g
Sugars	2g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Sodium	420mg
Fiber	1g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and serving size.