These chili garlic cucumbers elevate a simple vegetable into an extraordinary side dish through thoughtful preparation and balanced seasoning. The cucumbers undergo a brief salting process that draws out excess moisture, concentrating their flavor and ensuring that satisfying crunch in every bite. The dressing combines aromatic garlic, nutty sesame oil, and a perfectly balanced blend of saltiness, subtle sweetness, and gentle acidity that transforms these humble vegetables into an irresistible dish that disappears from the table within minutes.
What makes these chili garlic cucumbers particularly special is the interplay of textures and temperatures. The cold, crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, aromatic garlic and sesame oil, creating a sensory experience that’s both cooling and deeply satisfying. The cucumbers coated in dressing collect in the nooks and crannies of each piece, ensuring that every bite delivers a perfect balance of cucumber freshness and savory umami. This simple yet sophisticated preparation demonstrates how traditional Asian culinary techniques can transform basic ingredients into something truly memorable through attention to texture, temperature, and flavor harmony.
In contemporary food culture, these Din Tai Fung-inspired cucumbers represent the growing appreciation for side dishes that can steal the spotlight from main courses. What was once considered merely an accompaniment has evolved into a sought-after specialty that people actively crave and seek out. The viral popularity of restaurant-inspired cucumber recipes on social media platforms highlights how these seemingly simple vegetable dishes have captured the culinary imagination of home cooks worldwide. Whether served as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal, as a refreshing counter to spicy dishes, or simply enjoyed on their own as a snack, these cucumbers embody the current trend of elevating humble ingredients through thoughtful preparation and precise seasoning.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Addictively crunchy texture
- Perfect balance of garlic, salt, and subtle sweetness
- Quick preparation (ready in under 30 minutes)
- Make-ahead friendly
- Refreshing side dish for rich or spicy meals
- Restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients
WHAT ARE CHILI GARLIC CUCUMBERS?
Chili garlic cucumbers are a refreshing side dish inspired by the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant specialty. Persian or English cucumbers are gently smashed to create irregular surfaces that better absorb the flavorful dressing. After a brief salting process to remove excess moisture, the cucumbers are tossed with a perfectly balanced dressing of aromatic garlic, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The result is a cooling, crunchy side dish with intense flavor that pairs beautifully with a wide range of Asian main courses.
Chili Garlic Cucumbers
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumbers or 3-4 Persian cucumbers
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp chili crisp
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly and pat dry.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a colander set over a bowl.
- Sprinkle the cucumber pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, toss gently, and let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili crisp until well combined.
- After 15-20 minutes, rinse and gently pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.
- Transfer the cucumbers to a mixing bowl, pour the dressing over them, and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
- For best results, serve immediately while the cucumbers are still crisp, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
RECIPE TIPS
- Choose firm, fresh cucumbers with minimal seeds for the best texture
- Don’t skip the salting step – it’s crucial for achieving that signature crunch
- Adjust the garlic amount to your preference
- Smash gently – you want to crack the cucumbers, not pulverize them
- For extra flavor, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden
- Use a microplane for the garlic to create a fine paste that distributes evenly
- Chill your serving bowl beforehand for an extra-refreshing dish
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve with:- Chinese or Taiwanese main dishes
- Korean BBQ or bulgogi
- Spicy noodle dishes as a cooling counterpoint
- As part of a banchan spread
- Alongside dumplings or steamed buns
- With grilled meats or seafood
- As a refreshing summer side dish
VARIATIONS
- Add 1 tablespoon of chili crisp for a spicy version
- Include 1 teaspoon of grated ginger for extra zing
- Substitute black vinegar for rice vinegar for a deeper flavor
- Add a tablespoon of soy sauce for more umami
- Mix in a teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns for numbing heat
- Include thinly sliced red chilies for color and heat
- Try with Japanese or Korean cucumbers for variation
STORAGE
- Best enjoyed within 2 hours of preparation
- Can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours
- The cucumbers will release more water as they sit, so drain before reserving
- For make-ahead preparation, store salted, dried cucumbers and dressing separately
- Combine and garnish just before serving
- Not suitable for freezing
Nutrition
Find more great Nosh With David Recipes, including authentic Korean recipes like this one, at https://www.noshwithdavid.com/recipes/
My Essential Korean Pantry contains several of these ingredients, specifically:
– Sempio Soy Sauce
– Kadoya Sesame Oil
– Shirakiku Roasted Sesame Seeds
Need help with what ingredients to stock? Check out My Essential Korean Pantry article. This article describes each essential ingredient with links to where you can buy them easily!
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