Refreshing Cambodian Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Cambodian cucumber salad that will add some zing to your next party or gathering. This refreshing salad is a perfect side dish that is both healthy and flavorful, making it the ideal addition to any meal.
The vibrant colors of the salad make it a beautiful centerpiece on your table. The combination of crispy cucumbers with the tangy dressing creates a delicious flavor explosion in your mouth that will leave you wanting more. This Cambodian-style rice noodle salad is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors and presentation.
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s versatile, allowing you to modify or add ingredients based on your personal taste, making it easily adaptable for vegans, vegetarians or meat-lovers alike. You can also make this salad ahead of time, saving you time and reducing stress during meal prep.
So join me in my kitchen as we explore the exciting world of Cambodian cuisine and learn how to whip up an easy Asian cucumber salad that will delight your senses and impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are few dishes that can rival the refreshing and vibrant flavors of a Cambodian cucumber salad. This Asian-inspired recipe is a unique and tasty way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet while enjoying a zesty, tangy and savory dish that will leave you wanting more.
What makes this salad extraordinary is its blend of contrasting textures and flavors. The crispness of thinly sliced cucumbers combined with the bold spiciness of chili sauce and the pungency of garlic cloves make each bite a flavorful explosion. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil dressing adds depth to the dish, while a touch of sugar gives it the desired sweetness balance.
This salad is perfect for any occasion; it can be served as a light snack, as an accompaniment to grilled meats or fish, or as a side dish to complement noodles, rice or even roast chicken. Its healthy ingredients make it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a nutritious meal that is low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C.
And if you’re looking for versatility in your salad, look no further because this recipe can easily be amended to accommodate variations such as adding shrimp, carrots, capsicum or other vegetables that you may fancy.
All in all, this dish captures the essence of Cambodian cuisine with its bold flavors, vibrant colors and healthy ingredients. You’ll love this Cambodian cucumber salad recipe not just for its delicious taste but also for its simplicity in preparation and versatility to fit any meal occasion.
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking our Cambodian Cucumber Salad Recipe, let’s check the ingredient list. This salad recipe requires ingredients that can easily be found in any grocery store, making it a perfect go-to dish for parties or even weekday dinners. In addition to the main ingredient, which is of course cucumbers, we will also need chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic clove, sugar, salt, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Gather all the ingredients before you begin prepping your salad to help make the process smoother!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, we can start making this Cambodian Cucumber Salad Recipe. This recipe is easy and straightforward, it won’t take much of your time.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Step 1.
Start by slicing 4 peeled cucumbers thinly in a bowl, then add 1 deseeded and thinly sliced red pepper, 3 thinly sliced spring onions, and 1 grated carrot. You can add some herbs like mint or cilantro, but they are optional.
Step 2.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3.
Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss them until everything is coated with the dressing. You can chill the salad in the refrigerator for about an hour or serve it immediately if you like them to be fresh.
Step 4.
Before serving, sprinkle some roasted peanuts, sesame seeds or chili flakes for added flavor and texture. You can also add some grilled shrimp, chicken or tofu to make it more substantial and flavorful.
This salad recipe is perfect as a side dish for grilled meat or fish or as a light lunch with some rice noodle salad on the side.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up or simply don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can be made to this Cambodian cucumber salad recipe.
Firstly, if you’re unable to find Cambodian or Asian cucumbers, regular cucumbers will work just as well. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of spicy food or chili sauce, you can leave it out altogether or use a milder sauce instead.
For those who follow a gluten-free diet, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce for this recipe. You could also substitute the soy sauce for coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
To add some extra flavors to the salad dressing, consider using different types of vinegar such as rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of rice vinegar. For those who prefer a sweeter salad dressing, adding honey instead of sugar can also do the trick.
If you want to make this dish into more of a meal, try adding some protein such as poached chicken, grilled shrimp, or tofu. You could also serve it as a side dish alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries or noodle salads.
Finally, if you’re looking for a paleo-friendly version of this salad recipe, swap out the soy sauce and sugar for coconut aminos and honey respectively. You can also switch up the vegetables by adding shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers or even sour cucumbers for an unexpected twist on this classic Cambodian style vegetable salad.
Serving and Pairing
The Cambodian Cucumber Salad is a versatile salad that can complement many dishes. As an Asian-inspired side dish, it pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken or beef, and also goes very well with seafood. The dressing has a light and tangy flavor that is perfect for cutting through the richness of the meat or fish.
For a refreshing and healthy lunch option, you can enjoy this cucumber salad alongside a simple rice noodle salad with shrimp or vegetable salad. The fresh flavors of the dish enhance the earthy taste of the vegetables and seafood, making it an ideal choice for summer picnics or potlucks.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some sour cucumber, Japanese cucumber or Thai cucumber to the mix to heighten the flavor profile. These cucumbers provide a completely different dimension to this salad recipe. For those who like their food spicy, pair with roast chicken or other roasted meat garnished with red pepper flakes for maximum heat!
For those following special dietary restrictions such as paleo or gluten-free diet, this salad is an excellent choice since it contains no grains or wheat products. Simply swap soy sauce for gluten-free Tamari sauce and remove any high carb ingredients such as sugar in the recipe.
This easy Asian cucumber salad is perfect for any mealtime event or cookout that calls for something light yet flavorful!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Cambodian Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can also be stored in the refrigerator for later consumption. To make this salad ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and slice your cucumbers in advance. Keep them separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss the salad ingredients together with the dressing.
If you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release water as they sit, making the salad less crisp over time.
When it’s time to reheat your salad, avoid microwaving it as that will cause the cucumbers to become mushy. Instead, consider refreshing the salad by adding fresh cucumber slices or herbs for added texture and flavor.
This make-ahead option makes it easy for you to prep your salads ahead of time. Whether it’s for busy weekdays or entertaining guests, this make-ahead option allows you to enjoy this culinary masterpiece whenever you desire.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Cambodian cucumber salad comes out perfect every time, keep in mind a few tips and tricks. Firstly, be sure to use fresh and crunchy cucumbers to give a nice texture to the salad. Secondly, refrigerate the cucumbers before chopping them as this prevents them from becoming soggy in the salad.
When preparing the dressing, always taste and adjust it according to your personal preference. If you find it too sweet or sour, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of lime juice respectively. Similarly, if you want the dressing to be spicier, add more chili sauce or pepper flakes.
Be careful with the amount of salt you use as soy sauce already contains salt. So, go light on the salt and adjust it according to your taste preference once the salad is ready. If you are using fish sauce instead of soy sauce, start with a small amount and adjust it as needed.
To add an extra crunch and flavor to the salad, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top just before serving. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, cherry tomatoes, or red peppers to give it more color and flavor.
If you like your salads with more protein, try adding some cooked shrimp or roast chicken pieces to this cucumber salad recipe. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside grilled meats or fish for a refreshing side dish.
Finally, when making this salad ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge without adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming soggy. Add the dressing just before serving for maximum freshness and crunchiness.
By following these simple tips and recommendations you will be able to make the perfect Cambodian Cucumber Salad every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Cambodian Cucumber Salad Recipe is an excellent addition to any gathering or as a side dish to your favorite meals. Its refreshing crunch and zesty flavors will definitely leave a lasting impression on your guests’ taste buds. Plus, with its easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, you can easily make it your own and cater to your preferred taste.
Whether you are a fan of Asian cuisine or not, this salad recipe is definitely worth trying out. Its combination of spicy chili sauce, savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and sweet sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy your cravings for a refreshing salad.
So next time you’re in the mood for an easy and delicious salad recipe, give this Cambodian Cucumber Salad a try. You won’t regret it!
Cambodian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cucumbers, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 drops chili sauce
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers lengthwise. Sprinkle salt on cut sides, then place cut-side down on paper towels to drain. After 30 minutes, pat dry.
- Slice cucumbers into 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle on cucumbers and toss to coat. Let sit for 1 hour before serving.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!