Soy Cucumber Salad With Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

Soy Cucumber Salad is the perfect way to use up an abundance of cucumbers. This Japanese Cucumber Salad has soy sauce and sesame seed oil, and there’s no boiling involved.

Soy Cucumber Salad

I found the original recipe for Soy Cucumber Salad in a 1979 Teachers’ Culinary Treasures Cook Book from the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority.

This Asian cucumber salad recipe caught my attention because it only had a few ingredients, and I had everything I needed already at home.

I’m happy to report that I am absolutely hooked on these Sesame Cucumbers. They are really a quick refrigerator pickle with no boiling required. The combination of soy sauce and sesame get soaked into the cucumbers for the perfect little snack.

Sesame Cucumber Salad Ingredient List

If you are wondering how to use up a bunch of cucumbers from the garden or if you have a couple cucumbers that need to be eaten, try this quick and easy cucumber salad with soy and sesame.

• Cucumbers
• White Vinegar
• Soy Sauce
• Sesame Oil
• White Sugar
• Salt
• Tabasco Sauce (optional)

Cucumber Salad with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

When I’m trying to use up excess cucumbers from the garden, I typically make Mom’s Cucumbers and Onions. After discovering this Japanese Cucumber Salad, I might have a new favorite.

I really like the Asian spin on these cucumbers with sesame oil. The combination of sesame seed oil and soy sauce makes for a fun surprise for your mouth. For added pizzazz, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or fermented black garlic over the top before serving.

Eat these on their own for a little snack, or chop them up for a new relish or condiment on a salad or sandwich. The great news is that these will keep for several days in the refrigerator.

What can I make with an abundance of cucumbers?

If you’re wondering what to do with all those cucumbers, check out this list for 5 ways to use up an abundance of cucumbers.

1. Go traditional and make a batch of pickles. By canning them, you’ll be able to eat them all year. Dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, kosher pickles, there are thousands of recipes available out there. You can even make these Refrigerator Dill Pickles from our friend, Leah, at Beyer Beware.
2. Slice them up and add them to water for a hydrating cucumber water. Or, add cucumber to your daily smoothie. Extra hydration without changing the flavor.
3. Save them for later by making freezer pickles – yes, it’s really a thing!
4. Make a cucumber salad. Whether it’s the traditional cucumbers and onions in vinegar or a creamy cucumber salad, the options are endless and delicious.
5. Go Greek! Cucumber is an important part of Tzatziki sauce for pitas, vegetables and other Greek food.

How to Make Pickles with Cucumber and Soy Sauce

Step By Step Instructions

1. If using regular cucumbers, peel and slice cucumbers, scooping out large seeds, if needed. For English cucumbers, just slice.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, sesame seed oil, salt and Tabasco sauce (optional) to make the soy cucumber dressing.
3. Add dressing to cucumbers, and stir or toss. Store in a container that allows the cucumbers to marinate in the dressing.
4. Refrigerate until chilled thoroughly before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.

For the full ingredient amounts and recipe steps for Japanese pickles with cucumber and soy sauce, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe FAQs

• Use regular cucumbers or English cucumbers.
• Low sodium soy sauce can be used.
• Substitute rice wine vinegar for white vinegar, if desired or needed.
• Tabasco is optional. Add more or less than the recipe calls for if you want more heat.
• Red Pepper Flakes would be a tasty addition.
• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for more sesame flavor or for a prettier appearance.
• If you can’t find sesame seed oil at the grocery store, get it here on Amazon.

Recipe Variations

• Use any type of cucumber including mini cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, etc.
• Add diced bell peppers to the mix.
• Substitute rice vinegar for white vinegar.
• Honey is a great substitute for sugar.
• Stir in red onions or green onions.
• Grated ginger gives a nice Asian flavor.
• Give a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Sprinkle with roasted peanuts before serving.

Simple Cucumber Recipes

Mom’s Cucumbers and Onions

Simple Sour Cream Cucumbers

Tomato Cucumber Salad with Dill Dressing

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.