Literally obsessed with cucumber salads
Literally obsessed with cucumber salads 🤤🥒 is a easy Asian Fusion recipe that serves 4. 45 calories per serving. Recipe by Angelo Marasigan on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 20 min
Cost: $1.67 total, $0.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 medium Cucumber (washed, sliced thin (about 300 g total))
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (seasoned rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for nutty flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Oil (adjust to taste; start with less if you dislike heat)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (optional umami booster)
Instructions
Slice the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers, trim the ends, and slice them thinly on a diagonal or into half‑moons. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and the minced garlic. Stir until well blended.
Time: PT3M
Add MSG
Sprinkle the MSG over the dressing and whisk briefly to dissolve.
Time: PT1M
Combine cucumber and dressing
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Seal the bowl or transfer everything into a sealable jar and shake vigorously until the cucumber pieces are evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Rest and serve
Let the salad rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld, then give it a quick toss and serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 45
- Protein
- 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 4 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free (if using tamari)
Allergens: Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (less nutty)
- Instead of Chili Oil: Sriracha mixed with oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Soy sauce (extra)
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Sealable Jar or Plastic Bag
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Adding MSG – ensure it dissolves fully to avoid grainy texture.
- Balancing chili oil – add gradually and taste to avoid overpowering heat.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Slice cucumbers thinly for a delicate bite and better absorption of the dressing.
- Use toasted sesame oil sparingly; its flavor is strong.
- For extra crunch, add toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Cucumber becomes soggy.
Salt the sliced cucumber, let sit 5 min, then pat dry before adding dressing.
Dressing is too salty.
Add an extra splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
Not enough heat from chili oil.
Add a few more drops of chili oil or a pinch of red‑pepper flakes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour after preparation.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge.
- Combine cucumber and dressing no more than 2 hours before serving to keep cucumbers crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber salad in Asian cuisine?
Cucumber salads are a staple across East and Southeast Asian cuisines, often served as a cooling side to balance spicy or rich main dishes. In Chinese and Korean meals, thinly sliced cucumbers dressed with soy, vinegar, and sesame oil provide a refreshing contrast and aid digestion.
What are the traditional regional variations of Asian cucumber salad in Chinese and Korean cooking?
In Chinese cuisine, cucumber salad (凉拌黄瓜) typically uses light soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil. Korean versions (오이무침) add gochugaru (red pepper flakes) and a touch of sugar, sometimes topped with toasted sesame seeds.
How is cucumber salad traditionally served in Chinese home meals?
It is usually served cold or at room temperature as a small side dish (凉菜) alongside rice and main courses, helping to cleanse the palate between bites of richer dishes.
What occasions or celebrations feature cucumber salad in Asian cultures?
Cucumber salad appears at family gatherings, Lunar New Year meals, and summer barbecues because its light, crisp nature balances heavier festive foods.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an Asian cucumber salad versus common substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Chinese soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and fresh garlic. Common substitutes are tamari for gluten‑free soy sauce, apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar, and peanut oil if sesame oil is unavailable.
What other Asian dishes pair well with this cucumber salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as Korean bulgogi, Chinese stir‑fried beef, or Japanese teriyaki salmon, as well as with rice dishes and noodle bowls.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this cucumber salad?
Common mistakes include over‑dressing the cucumbers, which makes them soggy, and adding too much chili oil, which can overwhelm the delicate flavors. Also, forgetting to let the salad rest can result in a bland taste.
Why does this recipe use MSG instead of extra soy sauce for umami?
MSG provides a clean, concentrated umami boost without adding extra salt or liquid, allowing the balance of soy sauce, vinegar, and oil to remain crisp. It also helps the flavors meld quickly.
Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Combine the cucumber with the dressing no more than 2 hours before serving to retain crunch, then store the finished salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
What does the YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan focuses on quick, approachable Asian‑inspired home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday meals and side dishes that require minimal equipment.
How does the YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan's approach to Asian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Angelo Marasigan emphasizes simplicity and flavor balance, often using pantry‑friendly ingredients and encouraging home cooks to adjust heat levels, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or hard‑to‑find specialty items.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
