Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

Ingredients — 4 servings

Vegetables

• 4 medium cucumbers — about 600 g, thinly sliced

• 1 medium carrot — about 100 g, julienned

• 2 spring onions — finely sliced

• 1–2 garlic cloves — minced

Sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp chili oil

• 1–2 tsp chili flakes

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1–2 tsp honey or sugar

• ½ tsp salt, or to taste

Method

1. Slice the cucumbers thinly. Add ½ tsp salt, toss, and leave for 10–15 minutes. This draws out excess water and keeps the salad crisp.

2. Drain the cucumber and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Don’t rinse unless it tastes too salty.

3. Add sliced carrot, spring onions and garlic.

4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, chili flakes, sesame seeds and honey/sugar.

5. Pour the dressing over the vegetables.

6. Toss thoroughly for 1–2 minutes so the dressing coats everything.

7. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.

Adjust the heat

• Mild: ½ tsp chili flakes + 1 tsp chili oil

• Medium: 1 tsp each

• Spicy: 2 tsp chili flakes + 1 tbsp chili oil

• Very spicy: Add fresh sliced red/green chili

 Nut information / allergen Q&A

Does it contain nuts?
No tree nuts or peanuts are required in this recipe.

What about sesame?
Sesame is a seed, not a tree nut, but it is a major food allergen. This recipe contains sesame oil and sesame seeds.

Soy?
Yes. Soy sauce contains soy and may also contain wheat/gluten, depending on the brand.

Can I make it nut-free?
Yes. Simply use sesame-free chili oil and omit sesame seeds/oil if you also need it sesame-free.

 Approximate nutrition per serving

For 4 servings:

• Calories: ~130–160 kcal

• Protein: ~3 g

• Carbohydrates: ~12–15 g

• Fat: ~8–10 g

• Fiber: ~2–3 g

• Sugar: ~6–8 g