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This Asian cucumber salad TikTok recipe is actually super easy! Enjoy crisp spiral cucumbers tossed in a sweet-salty dressing with a spicy kick you’ll crave.
This TikTok cucumber salad is an Asian inspired accordion cucumber salad that’s perfect to try ASAP as Cucumber Month approaches.
Sure, you can just slice your cucumbers thinly, but all you need to make slinky cucumbers is a sharp knife and a pair of chopsticks. The process is so simple that it actually feels like a little kitchen hack!
The accordion shape is not just for looks and whimsy.
It also helps the cucumbers catch all that sweet, umami, tangy, and spicy goodness of the sesame soy dressing.
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Welcome to a new era of exciting salads!
Our spicy Kani salad and spicy Korean cucumber salad are interesting food recipes you can add to your healthy lunch (or dinner) routine.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber Salad TikTok Recipe
- This Asian cucumber salad TikTok hack is simpler than it looks! It requires zero cooking time, and I promise you, you don’t need to do any complicated knife work.
- The accordion cucumbers of this TikTok cucumber salad are sure to turn heads and get people talking. It’s the best side dish for spicing up weeknight dinners and gatherings!
- This crunchy Asian salad makes fresh cucumbers addictive and definitely not boring, thanks to its easy Asian-style marinade. It’s savory, tangy, garlicky, sweet, and a little spicy—so good!
Ingredients
Cucumbers – This viral Asian cucumber salad TikTok hack takes the humble cucumber to new tasty heights. And don’t worry! Learning how to accordion cut cucumbers is straightforward, so don’t be intimidated.
Granulated white sugar – As with most savory dishes, adding a touch of sugar helps round out this Asian accordion cucumber salad.
Sesame seeds – They bring additional texture and nutty flavor that we adore in Asian cooking.
Garlic and green onion – Fresh is best for this yummy TikTok trend! They lend a deep, savory goodness that pairs perfectly with this salad’s sesame-soy dressing.
Soy sauce – For a gluten-free alternative, use coconut aminos!
Rice vinegar – Adds a sweet and tangy kick that brightens the TikTok cucumber salad.
Chinese chili oil – Don’t hesitate to add the spicy chili crunch for extra texture and kick!
Sesame oil – You can’t skip sesame oil in Asian cooking. Its aroma alone is irresistible.
Salt – Helps remove excess water and intensifies the cucumber’s flavor. No soggy Asian cucumber salad here!
Ingredient Additions For TikTok Cucumber Salad
Flavor enhancers
This savory, tangy, and spicy cucumber salad is already full of flavor, but adding freshly grated ginger, fish sauce, and Korean chili flakes will take it to the next level!
Mix-ins
Add more color, crunch, and flavor to this Healthy Asian cucumber salad by including carrots and cilantro! Asian-inspired cucumber carrot salad, anyone?
You can mix in any fresh produce that will complement the sesame dressing.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Salt the Cucumbers
A crucial step in this viral cucumber salad recipe is salting the cucumber spirals! Besides flavor, this helps keep the cucumbers from getting limp and watery. Don’t forget to rinse off the excess salt to keep the Tik Tok cucumber salad from getting too salty!
Wait Before Serving
This cucumber Asian salad TikTok hack tastes best after letting the cucumbers marinate in the fridge for at least 10 minutes!
Leftover Tips
This cucumber salad Asian TikTok recipe can be made ahead of time. Just transfer the sesame cucumber salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezing isn’t recommended because the cucumbers will just lose their crunch once thawed.
TikTok Cucumber Salad Recipe FAQs
Which type of cucumber is best for salad?
We prefer English cucumbers for this Asian cucumber dish because they’re crunchy, have thin skins, few seeds, and a mild flavor that lets the sesame dressing shine. Persian cucumbers work too, but I’d avoid American cucumbers since their thick skin, large seeds, and bitter taste aren’t ideal for this viral Asian cucumber salad.
Do you peel cucumbers for cucumber salad?
This easy Asian inspired cucumber salad is made with English cucumbers, so peeling them is not required. If you’re using a variety with tougher, thicker skins, then peel them first for the best bite.
What is the viral cucumber salad?
The viral cucumber salad refers to this viral TikTok Asian cucumber salad with sesame dressing. There’s also another trending TikTok cucumber salad made by TikTok creator Logan Moffitt. Unlike this one with cucumber accordions, his recipe uses thinly sliced cucumbers and a soy-sesame dressing shaken in a deli container.
Can I make this Asian cucumber salad TikTok recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting this TikTok Asian cucumber salad sit in the fridge for a few days helps the flavors develop and allows the crisp cucumbers to soak up the marinade.
What can I eat with this viral Asian cucumber salad?
Enjoy this TikTok cucumber salad Asian-style with dishes like sushi wraps, shrimp sushi bowls, or baked salmon! The garlicky, spicy, sweet, and umami flavors of the salad, along with the crunch of the cucumbers, will pair well with rich, vibrant Asian-style dishes.
More Delicious Asian Inspired Recipes
- Asian Charcuterie Board
- Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Sushi Bake Cups
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
- Shrimp Pad Thai with Stir Fry Sauce
I found this recipe for Spiced Cucumber that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Asian Cucumber Salad TikTok Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cucumbers
- 3 tsp granulated white sugar
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp garlic, crushed
- 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tsp rice vinegar
- 3 tsp chili oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 tsp salt
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients for the Asian cucumber salad viral hack.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion.
- Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cut both ends of each cucumber. Place the cucumber between a pair of chopsticks to hold it in place and keep the knife from slicing all the way through.
- To create the iconic spiral shape, make diagonal cuts down the length of the cucumber. Flip it over, then make straight cuts across the uncut side. Repeat with all the cucumbers.
- Place the cucumber spirals in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently massage the salt into the cucumbers and let them sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove the excess salt, then quickly pat them dry.
- Pour the marinade over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated. Enjoy your Asian cucumber salad!
Notes
- A crucial step in this viral cucumber salad recipe is salting the cucumber spirals! Besides flavor, this helps keep the cucumbers from getting limp and watery. Don’t forget to rinse off the excess salt to keep the Tik Tok cucumber salad from getting too salty!
- This cucumber Asian salad TikTok hack tastes best after letting the cucumbers marinate in the fridge for at least 10 minutes!
- This cucumber salad Asian TikTok recipe can be made ahead of time. Just transfer the sesame cucumber salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezing isn’t recommended because the cucumbers will just lose their crunch once thawed.
Nutrition
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