Dessert

Asian Cucumber Salad TikTok Recipe

Name: Asian Cucumber Salad TikTok Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 cucumbers; 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped; 1 tsp garlic, crushed; 3 tsp granulated white sugar; 2 tsp sesame seeds; 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tsp rice vinegar; 3 tsp chili oil; 1 tsp sesame oil; 3 tsp salt

ByNaomi Fletcher April 5, 2026April 5, 2026

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Introduction

This Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a light snack or a side. With its crisp cucumbers coated in a tangy, spicy marinade, it’s gained popularity on TikTok for good reason. Ready in just 13 minutes, it’s a quick way to brighten any meal.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with bright green cucumber slices that are cut into uneven, wavy pieces, mixed with a reddish-brown spicy seasoning that appears oily and slightly glossy, giving the cucumbers a shiny texture. A pair of light brown chopsticks held by a woman's hand lifts some cucumber slices from the bowl, showing their translucent, crisp texture. The background and surface have a clean, white marbled texture that contrasts with the vivid green and red colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients for the Asian cucumber salad.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion.
Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Set this marinade aside.
Step 4: Cut both ends off each cucumber. Place the cucumber between a pair of chopsticks to hold it in place and prevent cutting through completely.
Step 5: Make diagonal cuts along the length of the cucumber to create a spiral shape. Then flip the cucumber and make straight cuts across the uncut side. Repeat with all cucumbers.
Step 6: Place the cucumber spirals in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and gently massage it into the cucumbers. Let them sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 7: Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry quickly.
Step 8: Pour the prepared marinade over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, chill the cucumbers after salting before adding the marinade.
Adjust chili oil amount to control the heat level according to your preference.
Try adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, give it a quick toss before serving again.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with slices of bright green cucumber coated in a spicy reddish-orange sauce with visible seeds and bits of garlic, giving a glossy and textured look. Two slices of cucumber are lifted above the bowl by a pair of light brown chopsticks held by a woman's hand, showing their thin, curved shape and glistening coating. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, blurred light blue and white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

You can substitute regular white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but rice vinegar offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements this salad best.

How do I make the cucumber spirals if I don’t have chopsticks?

If you don’t have chopsticks, use any slender, sturdy object to hold the cucumber from slicing through entirely. Alternatively, cut the cucumbers into thin rounds or sticks instead.