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Fresh Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad Recipe with Crispy Wonton Strips

asian sesame cucumber salad - featured image
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A crisp, tangy Asian sesame cucumber salad with a nutty, slightly sweet dressing and addictive crispy wonton strips, perfect for summer and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1 lb or 500g)
  • 10 wonton wrappers, cut into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Vegetable oil (canola or sunflower) for frying wonton strips

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice 2 large English cucumbers. Place sliced cucumbers in a medium bowl and lightly salt with about 1/2 teaspoon. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then gently squeeze and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Stack 10 wonton wrappers and cut into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide, keeping strips roughly the same size for even frying.
  3. Heat about 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry wonton strips in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring frequently. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Add the dried cucumber slices and sliced green onions to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top.
  6. Just before serving, top the salad with crispy wonton strips to keep them crunchy. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Salting and draining cucumbers is key to avoid watery salad. Fry wonton strips just before serving to keep them crispy. Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). Toast sesame seeds for extra flavor. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free wonton wrappers or substitute with crispy rice crackers. For vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure wonton wrappers are egg-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, crispy wonton strips, summer salad, easy salad recipe, light salad, gluten-free salad option, vegan salad option

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/fresh-asian-sesame-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-crispy-wonton-strips-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/