Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This easy spicy Asian cucumber salad is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. You can slice the cucumbers any way you like, or try the viral Tiktok spiral cut from 2021 for a little kitchen nostalgia.

Want more cucumber with a kick? Try my Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe next!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Just 10 minutes of prep, no cooking required.
• Staple ingredients – Made with simple Asian pantry staples and any cucumber variety.
• Customizable heat – Keep it mild or turn up the spice to your liking.
• Versatile – Works with Asian-inspired meals and beyond.
• Fun factor – Master the optional spiral-cut technique for a playful presentation.

What You'll Need

• Cucumber – Use any firm, fresh cucumbers. English cucumbers work well year-round; garden cucumbers are best in season.
• Green Onions – Add mild onion flavor, color, and crunch.
• Rice Vinegar – Mildly acidic for bright, tart flavor. I recommend unseasoned rice vinegar because it doesn't contain added sugar and salt.
• Soy Sauce – Salty, savory staple that balances flavors and gives the dressing its color.
• Honey – Adds sweetness to balance savory, spicy, and salty notes.
• Chili Crisp – Oil-based condiment with chili flakes and spices; brings the heat.
• Sesame Seeds – Add nutty flavor and texture. Black seeds offer contrast; beige seeds taste the same.
• Garlic Cloves – Use fresh, firm cloves. Granulated garlic works in a pinch.
• Fresh Cilantro – Adds texture and cooling flavor; best for cilantro lovers.

How To Make Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

Here's how to make Asian cucumber salad using the viral TikTok spiral slicing method from 2021—or use any slicing method you prefer. Enjoy these step-by-step photos or skip down to the printable recipe.

First, place the cucumber between two chopsticks on a cutting board. Slice diagonally ⅛–¼ inch apart, letting the chopsticks stop the blade before cutting all the way through. Bend gently to reveal the cuts—it’s a fun sneak peek of the spiral.

Flip the cucumber over and slice perpendicular to the first cuts, using the same spacing. Don’t worry if it breaks apart—next you’ll cut it into 2-inch sections for easier serving.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together green onions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, chili crisp, sesame seeds, garlic, and optional cilantro until well combined. Combine the cucumbers and dressing and rest for 15 minutes to develop flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours—just note the cucumbers will soften once dressed.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Choosing cucumbers – Thin-skinned, seedless varieties such as English or Persian cucumbers work best. If using thick-skinned cucumbers, I recommend peeling and removing seeds for better texture.
• Slicing options – Cut cucumbers into thin slices or half moons if you don't want to use the spiral cut.
• No salting needed – The liquid-based dressing seasons the cucumbers without salting, which can make them overly salty, even if rinsed.
• Make ahead – Slice cucumbers and prepare dressing up to 2 days ahead. Store separately, then combine before serving.
• Flavor adjustments – Make it sweeter, saltier, or spicier by adjusting ingredients to your liking. You can also use a pinch of gochugaru (Korean pepper powder) and a splash of sesame oil in place of chili crisp oil.
• Ingredient swaps – If chili crisp isn’t available, use chili oil, sriracha, or crushed red pepper. Add sesame oil for extra depth.

Easy Asian Recipes

• Thai Coconut Soup
• Pho Noodle Soup
• Kale Sesame Noodles
• Asian Slaw
• Quick Pickled Carrots and Daikon
• Vegetable Lo Mein Noodles

📖 Recipe