Asian Cucumber Salad

I absolutely love this salad! Cucumbers are wonderfully cooling, and even with touch of spice, this Asian Cucumber salad remains a perfect snack during the summer heat. I took a break from eating this salad for a while; I grew up eating something very similar with my dad often during the summers. When I was little, cucumbers weren’t my favorite. Recently, I decided to try it again and discovered a new appreciation for it. I introduced it to my husband this year, and he loves it so much that he said he wants to grow some cucumbers just so I can make it.

My Latest Food Videos

What are Pāi huángguā (拍黄瓜) and Oi Muchim (오이무침)?

Both are spicy cucumber salads that feature unique dressings with slightly different flavors. Both use a method to remove excess liquid by having them tossed in salt, then sitting in a strainer in a bowl to allow the liquid to drip out.

Pāi huángguā (拍黄瓜), in rough translation, means pat (or smash) cucumber. It is a spicy cucumber salad that features smashed and cut cucumbers, tossed in a spicy dressing of oil, and vinegar. Traditionally it will have Sichuan peppers and hot chili peppers in it.

Oi muchim (오이무침) is a spicy cucumber salad. Oi means cucumber, and muchim means mixed with seasonings. This salad features sliced cucumbers, a slightly thicker “sauce” or dressing, and usually has fish sauce, along with Korean red pepper flakes (No smashing or squeezing).

Fun Cucumber Facts…

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the cucumber cleanses and detoxifies, and can help reduce high blood pressure. With its “cooling” element, it can also ease the body’s internal heat (I am NOT a doctor or food scientist, so please don’t hold these facts as 100% truth that will 100% work for everyone).
• There are nearly 100 varieties of cucumbers grown in most countries in the world. Wow! That’s a lot!

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This salad is everything I crave on a hot afternoon: cool cucumbers, punchy vinegar, toasty sesame, and a touch of sweetness. It’s my take on a dish my dad used to make when he wanted something fast and flavorful to cut through rich dishes or to enjoy all on its own.

Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, it’s a perfect side for grilled meats, rice bowls, or your next backyard cookout. Bonus—it’s make-ahead friendly. 🙌

Ingredients You’ll Need

Because this salad is all about bold flavor with simple ingredients, quality matters! You’ll taste each one, so grab the freshest cukes you can find.

English cucumbers – This salad is proof that a short ingredient list can still pack a punch—especially when each item brings its A-game. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Green Onions – Adds a mild onion-y bite and pop of color. Totally optional, but I love the depth they add.

Garlic – Raw garlic gives this salad a bright, punchy backbone. Grating it helps it melt right into the dressing.

Rice vinegar – Brings the tang and balances the savory flavors. It’s mild and just a little sweet—perfect for quick-pickling cucumbers.

Soy sauce – Salty, savory, umami goodness in one tablespoon. Use low-sodium if you prefer.

Fish Sauce – Just a touch adds incredible depth and that elusive “why is this so good?” flavor. Don’t skip it unless you have to.

cane sugar – A little sweetness to balance the acidity.

Sesame oil – Nutty, toasty, and deeply aromatic—this small amount goes a long way.

chili garlic sauce – For heat and a little zing. Feel free to dial it up or down depending on your spice tolerance.

fresh cilantro – Adds freshness and a little herbaceous lift. If cilantro’s not your thing, skip or sub with Thai basil.

Sesame seeds – Toast them if you have the time—it brings out their nutty flavor and adds a lovely little crunch.

How to Make This Asian Cucumber Salad

Before you get started, you might want to check out the (see tips for success).

Step 1: Slice

Slice the cumbers thinly. You can achieve this by cutting them by hand with a sharp knife or using a mandoline, I actually prefer this Stainless Steel Box Grater by Rachel Ray, which has a slicer that works amazingly! It even comes with a hand guard, which I like to use towards the end. However, I recommend that if you’ve never used anything like this, use the hand guard the entire time.

this post

I will say… one absolutely great thing about this box grater is that it has a 4-cup “bucket” that fits right inside the grater. So it’ll catch everything you’re slicing/shredding right into the bucket!!

Step 2: Salt, Rinse, and Squeeze

In a mesh colander set over a bowl, toss the cucumbers with 1½ teaspoon salt. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes. Then gently squeeze out excess water.

Step 3: Mix

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together garlic, green onion, rice (or rice wine) vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil, & chili garlic sauce

Step 4: Toss

Toss together the cucumbers with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Toppings and enjoy

Top with freshly chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.

What to Serve It With

This salad plays well with just about everything. Try it with:

• Grilled salmon or shrimp
• Pork Wonton Burgers
• Chinese Five Spice Marinade Pork

Print

©Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith owner of Jenn Giam Smith; Jenn Smith, LLC