Spicy Miso Cucumber Salad
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Spicy Miso Cucumber Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that can be prepared in just five minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. The combination of Japanese cucumbers and a zesty miso sauce creates a crunchy, flavorful side that pairs well with a variety of meals.
The technique of smashing the cucumbers is not only fun but also practical, as it allows the sauce to soak into the cracks, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The use of chili oil and chili bean sauce adds a nice kick, while the toasted sesame oil brings a rich, nutty aroma that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully.
This salad is not only quick to make but also versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste or add additional toppings like sesame seeds or chili threads for extra flair. It’s perfect for meal prep, as the flavors only get better after a day in the fridge. Just be careful; it’s so good that you might find yourself sneaking bites straight from the container!
Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, a casual dinner, or as part of a larger spread, this Spicy Miso Cucumber Salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
In a mixing bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Japanese soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of Chinese style chicken bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon of yellow miso paste, 1/2 teaspoon of chili oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili bean sauce. Mix everything until smooth.
Tip: If you can't find tobanjan, gochujang works great as a backup.
Wash and dry two Japanese cucumbers, then trim the ends.
Use a rolling pin or sturdy beer mug to smash the cucumbers, aiming for cracks without turning them into mush.
Tear the smashed cucumbers into rough bite-sized chunks.
Tip: Tearing the cucumber by hand creates jagged edges that hold onto the sauce better than knife cuts.
Toss the cucumber chunks into the sauce bowl and mix until every piece is coated.
Cover the salad and let it sit in the fridge to enhance the flavors.
Tip: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together.
If serving right away, finish with a sprinkle of chili flakes and sesame seeds.
Tip: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of chili flakes and sesame seeds for added flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Soy
→ Substitution: Coconut Aminos
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Smashing cucumbers creates cracks that allow the sauce to penetrate better.
- •This salad is inspired by Japanese tataki and is commonly served in izakaya restaurants.
- •Chili bean sauce adds a unique heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
- •Letting the salad sit in the fridge enhances the flavors as they meld together.
