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–+ servings
A bowl of sliced cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, with two forks in the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board next to a striped blue towel and cucumber slices.

Crunchy Sesame-Spiced Cucumbers

Cold, crunchy, sesame-marinated cucumbers with a spicy kick. The addictive restaurant-style appetizer you can make at home in minutes!
Yield: 4 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound cucumbers, English or Persian, cut into ½-inch slices (not thinner—or you’ll lose the crunch!)
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Sriracha, to taste (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil, optional (for extra spice + flavor)
  • Sprinkle of sesame seeds, optional

Instructions
 

  • Prep the cucumbers: Slice into ½-inch rounds. Lay them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry well.
  • Mix the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and sriracha and/or chili oil (if using).
  • Toss: Add the cucumbers and toss until everything is evenly coated (a wide, shallow bowl or container is best so more cucumber surface area sits in the sauce).
  • Marinate: Cover and refrigerate at least 15 minutes (delish right away), or up to a few hours for deeper flavor. Toss a few times while they’re sitting in the marinade to ensure all of the slices are getting soaked in flavor, and once more before serving.
  • Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. They’ll soften a bit over time but still taste amazing.
• Flavor boosts: Add sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of grated ginger. A squeeze of lime is also fabulous.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, or gluten-free liquid aminos.
• Vegan: As written, it’s vegan. (If you add a touch of sweetness, use sugar or maple syrup.)
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 1 cupCalories: 40Carbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gTotal Fat: 1.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1gTotal Sugar: 2g— Natural Sugar: 2g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.