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Spicy Cucumber Salad

Crisp smashed cucumbers tossed in a savory garlic and chili oil dressing for a cool, spicy side dish.

15 minEasyServes 470 cal/serving

ChineseSaladNo-CookVeganVegetarianLow CarbDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb Persian cucumbers, smashed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp black vinegar
  • 2 tbsp chili oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place 1 lb smashed Persian cucumbers on a cutting board, smash with a rolling pin, and slice into bite-sized pieces.

  2. 2

    Toss cucumber pieces with 1 tsp kosher salt in a colander and let drain for 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    In a bowl, whisk together 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, 2 tbsp chili oil, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp granulated sugar.

  4. 4

    Pat cucumber dry with paper towels, toss with the dressing, and serve immediately.

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Questions

Why salt and drain the vegetables in Spicy Cucumber Salad?

Step 2 reads: "Toss cucumber pieces with 1 tsp kosher salt in a colander and let drain for 15 minutes." Salt pulls water out. Doing it at step 2 means that water ends up in the colander rather than in the finished dish.

Is there a substitute for toasted sesame oil in Spicy Cucumber Salad?

The entry for Spicy Cucumber Salad calls for 1 tsp sesame oil. In its place: There is no neutral substitute for the toasted flavor. Warm a spoonful of sesame seeds in a neutral oil, or leave it out and finish with toasted seeds.

Can I make Spicy Cucumber Salad gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Spicy Cucumber Salad is 1 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Spicy Cucumber Salad low-carb?

A serving of Spicy Cucumber Salad carries 4 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 20 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 4 percent.

Does Spicy Cucumber Salad contain sesame?

Yes: 1 tsp sesame oil. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, soy and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many carbs are in Spicy Cucumber Salad?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 4 g of carbohydrate in about 70 calories, with 1 g protein and 6 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 480 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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