This is a fun and refreshing twist on Asian cucumber salad that was made popular on TikTok. It’s the perfect side dish to any asian meal or on its own as a light snack. For maximum flavor I recommend making it ahead of time and letting it marinate in all the saucy goodness.

The Secret Spiral Technique

• Place cucumber on a cutting board between 2 chopsticks, keeping them tight to the cucumber as you do your cuts. Cut off the cucumber ends.
• Cut one side at a 45-degree angle. Make cuts every 1/4 inch along the length of the whole cucumber.
• Flip over. Cut the other side straight at a 90-degree angle every 1/4 inch.
• The chopsticks will stop the knife from cutting all the way though.

The Dressing
The marinade or dressing for the cucumber salad is a balance between slightly sweet and spicy. Fresh garlic brightens up the dish and makes it mouthwatering, while the toasted sesame oil brings a complex, nutty flavor. If you do not have gochugaru (Korean red pepper) on hand, you can substitute with red chili flakes, which are more common.

Spiral-Cut Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe:
3 English cucumbers or 6 mini Persian cucumbers
Kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper), can substitute with red chili flakes
1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hot chili oil
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil

Step 1:
Cut your cucumbers using the method below to make spirals:

• Place cucumber on a cutting board between 2 chopsticks, keeping them tight to the cucumber as you do your cuts. Cut off the cucumber ends.
• Cut one side at a 45-degree angle. Make cuts every 1/4 inch along the length of the whole cucumber.
• Flip over. Cut the other side straight at a 90-degree angle every 1/4 inch.
• The chopsticks will stop the knife from cutting all the way though.

Step 2:
Generously salt the cucumber in a large mixing bowl with kosher salt and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the cucumbers off with water and then repeat. Rinse again to ensure they won’t be too salty.

Step 3:
Prepare the dressing by mixing together garlic, gochugaru, sesame seeds, sugar, vinegar, chili oil, soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl. Wisk to combine. Pour over the salted & rinsed cucumbers and enjoy!

Pro Tip: The flavor is stronger when it gets extra time to marinate—a few hours or even the next day (if you can wait that long).