Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mind-blowing Garlic Soy Cucumber Salad! Imagine crisp, cool cucumbers dancing with bold, punchy garlic and a tantalizing Asian-inspired dressing that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. This incredibly simple yet devastatingly delicious recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Green onions
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: cucumbers, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and green onions.
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. You will need about 2-3 cloves, depending on your taste. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Use approximately 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Adjust the quantities to taste.
- Whisk the dressing mixture until well combined. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and garlic mixture in the large bowl.
- Gently toss the cucumbers and garlic with the dressing until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the cucumbers.
- Chop the green onions into thin slices, both the white and green parts. Add the chopped green onions to the salad and give it another gentle toss.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also give the cucumbers a chance to absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, give the salad one final toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or sesame oil to your liking.
- Serve the Garlic Soy Cucumber Salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the right cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers work best for this recipe as they're less watery and have thinner skins.
- Salt tip: For an extra crisp texture, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 5-10 minutes before draining excess water. This helps concentrate the flavors.
- Garlic intensity: Adjust the garlic quantity based on your preference. For a milder taste, use fewer cloves; for garlic lovers, go wild!
- Dressing hack: Whisk the dressing separately to ensure all ingredients are perfectly combined before adding to the cucumbers.
- Chill factor: While the salad is delicious immediately, letting it sit for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator can enhance the flavor melding.
- Garnish options: For extra flair, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
