This Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with bold garlic flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh cucumbers, it’s the perfect quick side dish for Asian-inspired meals or summer dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing, crunchy, and light
- Packed with bold garlic and savory flavors
- Ready in minutes with no cooking required
- Naturally vegan and halal-friendly
- Perfect as a side dish or appetizer
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 4 to 5 Persian cucumbers (about 11–12 ounces)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic, sea salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Adjust spice level to taste.
- Let the garlic marinade sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Trim the ends of the cucumbers. Slice them in half lengthwise, then slice into thin pieces.
- Transfer the cucumbers to a bowl. Pour the garlic marinade over the cucumbers and toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a few hours before serving for deeper flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Persian cucumbers stay crisp and have fewer seeds
- Letting the marinade rest mellows the garlic bite
- Use chili oil instead of red pepper flakes for deeper heat
- Add toasted sesame oil for extra aroma
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegan, halal-friendly
Notes
- Best served fresh the same day
- Do not marinate overnight to preserve crunch
- Can be doubled easily for gatherings
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 1g
FAQ
Can I make Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Yes, up to a few hours in advance. Overnight is not recommended.
What cucumbers work best?
Persian or English cucumbers are ideal for their crunch and thin skins.
Is this salad spicy?
Mild to medium, depending on red pepper flakes. Easily adjustable.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
It pairs perfectly with stir-fries, rice dishes, dumplings, and grilled proteins.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 24 hours
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Reheating: Serve cold
Similar Recipes
Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic about 2 large cloves
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to taste
- 4 to 5 Persian cucumbers about 11–12 ounces
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic, sea salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Adjust spice level to taste.
- Let the garlic marinade sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Trim the ends of the cucumbers. Slice them in half lengthwise, then slice into thin pieces.
- Transfer the cucumbers to a bowl. Pour the garlic marinade over the cucumbers and toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a few hours before serving for deeper flavor.
Notes
- Best served fresh the same day
Conclusion
This Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavor. Crisp, garlicky, and refreshing, it’s a must-have side dish you’ll come back to again and again.