This is the first recipe I posted on Budget Bytes. This was back when I still took photos with my pre-smart-phone era smartphone. Yikes! This Sesame Cucumber Salad remains one of my favourite dishes, and it is my favourite way to use all the delicious and cheap summer cucumbers. I decided to repost it and give my attention to it. If this Sesame Cucumber Recipe is new to your kitchen, I hope you make it a regular favourite. You will love it!

Do I have to use rice vinegar?

It is strongly advised that you do not substitute rice vinegar for this recipe. Rice vinegar is a unique acidity and flavour, perfect for this recipe. Although some people substitute rice vinegar for white or apple cider vinegar, I find both too strong to be suitable for this recipe. You should also avoid using “seasoned” rice vinegar. This is because it has additional ingredients and tastes very different.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND RICE VINEGAR

Rice vinegar is very affordable, can be purchased in the Asian section at most major grocery shops, and will last almost forever in your pantry. Budget Bytes recipes will be used often if you use them regularly. Here’s a link to all my Rice Vinegar recipes.

WHAT IS TOASTED SESAME OIL?

Toasted sesame oil is the other important ingredient in this cucumber salad. Toasted sesame oils have a stronger flavour than regular sesame oils. A little can add a lot of flavour to any dish. You will find toasted sesame oils in most grocery stores’ international aisles and Asian grocery stores. Although it may not be marked “toasted”, you will know that its deep walnut colour has toasted it. Untoasted sesame oils are straw-coloured oil, similar to canola oil.

VIDEO SESAME CUCUMBER SHARED SALAD

Sesame Cucumber Saladupbeat Music Play Video

HOW LONG WILL THIS SAALAD LASTEN?

Although the salad can get a little limp when it sits in the fridge, the taste is still amazing once the cucumbers have softened. These are almost pickled cucumber slices by that time. They have been marinated in the spicy-sweet vinegar solution for a while and are delicious! This salad lasts for 2-3 days if not eaten sooner. You can make your cucumbers crunchy by cutting them into chunks.

SALSA WITH THE SAME CUCUMBER

Sesame Cucumber Salad has a light, refreshing and vibrant flavour. This is the perfect side dish for any Southeast Asian-inspired meal or as a companion dish.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar ($0.70)
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated sugar ($0.02)
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil ($0.05)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed pepper ($0.02)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 2 large cucumbers (1.38)
  • 3 green onions ($0.13)
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts ($0.12)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine the sugar, sesame oils, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper, salt, and sesame oil in a small bowl. The dressing should be set aside.
  • You can peel and slice the cucumber in your preferred method. (See photos below for my method). Place the cucumbers in a large bowl.
  • Cut the peanuts into small pieces. The green onions can be sliced.
  • Add the dressing, peanuts, and green onions to the sliced cucumbers. Mix to combine. Serve immediately, or let cool in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat. To redistribute the flavours and dressing, give the salad a quick stir.

NUTRITION

Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories: 62.82 Kilocalories Carbohydrates: 7.63 G Protein: 1.87 G Fat: 3.1g Sodium: 199.82mg Fiber: 1.4g