Pantry recipes

Sesame Cucumber Salad

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Crisp cucumber with a sharp dressing and toasted sesame seeds.

Serves: 4 as a side
Prep: Approx. 10 minutes
Cook: Approx. 2–4 minutes for the sesame seeds

Keep the cucumber and dressing separate until the last moment. The salad is at its best while the slices are crisp and the toasted sesame seeds still give a little contrast to the glossy dressing.

Ingredients

2 cucumbers
2 tablespoons hulled sesame seeds
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Method

1. Toast the sesame seeds

Put the 2 tablespoons hulled sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over medium-low heat. Shake the pan or stir frequently so the seeds move across the surface.

Toast until they are lightly golden and fragrant, then immediately tip them onto a plate. Do not leave them in the hot pan, where they will continue to darken.

2. Prepare the cucumber

Wash and dry the cucumbers. Trim the ends and slice them into thin, even rounds with a sharp knife.

Aim for slices that are easy to eat but still have some structure. Put them in a serving bowl and leave them undressed while you mix the sauce.

3. Mix the dressing

In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

Whisk until the sugar has dissolved. The soy sauce supplies the saltiness, so taste the dressing before considering any further seasoning.

4. Dress just before serving

Pour the dressing over the cucumber and toss gently, lifting slices from the base of the bowl so they are evenly coated.

Use the dressing to lightly coat the slices rather than letting them sit for a long time. Cucumber releases water as it stands, which will gradually dilute the sauce.

5. Add the sesame and serve

Scatter the cooled toasted sesame seeds over the dressed cucumber. Turn the salad once or twice so some seeds sit between the slices and some remain on top.

Serve straight away. If preparing ahead, keep the sliced cucumber, dressing and toasted seeds in separate containers and combine them at the table.