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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Add MSG

    Sprinkle the MSG over the dressing and whisk briefly to dissolve.

    Time: PT1M

  4. 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

  5. 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

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Literally obsessed with cucumber salads 🤤🥒

Recipe by Angelo Marasigan

A quick, tangy, and slightly spicy cucumber salad tossed in a savory soy‑rice‑vinegar dressing with sesame and chili oil. Perfect as a refreshing side or light appetizer.

EasyAsian FusionServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.67
Total cost
$0.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Adding MSG – ensure it dissolves fully to avoid grainy texture.
  • Balancing chili oil – add gradually and taste to avoid overpowering heat.

Safety Warnings

  • Chili oil can be hot if pre‑infused; handle with care to avoid skin irritation.
  • Use a sharp knife safely when slicing cucumbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber salad in Asian cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Asian cucumber salad in Chinese and Korean cooking?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is cucumber salad traditionally served in Chinese home meals?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature cucumber salad in Asian cultures?

A

Cucumber salad appears at family gatherings, Lunar New Year meals, and summer barbecues because its light, crisp nature balances heavier festive foods.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for an Asian cucumber salad versus common substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Asian dishes pair well with this cucumber salad?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this cucumber salad?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use MSG instead of extra soy sauce for umami?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan's approach to Asian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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