Crisp, refreshing, and incredibly versatile — cucumbers are one of the best vegetables to enjoy when you’re looking for something light yet satisfying. Whether as a snack, a side dish, or a flavor-packed salad, cucumbers are at their best when they’re fresh and crunchy.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best way to prepare cucumbers that locks in their crunch while boosting their flavor with a simple yet delicious dressing. Inspired by Asian-style pickles, this method is quick, healthy, and perfect for your next meal prep, picnic, or side dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This method doesn’t require any complicated cooking. It’s all about balancing flavors — sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty — while preserving the natural crunch of the cucumber. It’s fast, uses simple ingredients, and works great on its own or paired with rice, noodles, grilled meats, or tofu.
Let’s dive into how to make it.
Ingredients
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2 fresh cucumbers
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1 tsp salt
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1 piece of ginger (about 1 inch), thinly sliced or grated
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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2 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust based on spice preference)
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1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar works best)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp sugar
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50ml water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing the cucumbers and slicing them into rounds or thin sticks — whichever you prefer. For extra texture, you can lightly smash the cucumber with the side of a knife before slicing to create jagged edges that soak up the dressing better.
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp of salt. Toss them well and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, keeping them crisp when the dressing is added.
After 15 minutes, drain the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small saucepan, add:
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50ml of water
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Sliced ginger
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Minced garlic
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Red chilies
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Vinegar
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Soy sauce
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Red chili flakes
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Black pepper
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Sugar
Heat this mixture over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Stir well to help dissolve the sugar and allow the flavors to infuse for about 1–2 minutes. Then remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Combine and Marinate
Place your salted, drained cucumbers into a clean bowl. Pour the warm (not hot) dressing over the cucumbers and give everything a good mix, ensuring every piece is coated.
Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes before eating. For best flavor and crunch, refrigerate it and eat within 3 days. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavors become — but don’t worry, the cucumbers stay crunchy thanks to the salting step.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve it as a cool side dish with grilled meats or tofu
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Add it to rice bowls for extra freshness
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Use it in wraps or sandwiches for a spicy-sour crunch
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Eat it straight out of the container as a snack!
Final Thoughts
This cucumber dish is simple, flavorful, and incredibly refreshing. It’s a perfect example of how minimal ingredients and a smart method can elevate something as humble as a cucumber. Salting helps maintain that timunnya segar dan renyah (fresh and crunchy cucumber), while the dressing brings bold flavor.
Whether you’re meal prepping or need a quick side dish, this method will make cucumbers one of your favorite things to keep in the fridge.
