Cucumbers With Sesame Seeds
Cucumbers With Sesame Seeds offers a refreshing, crunchy side dish featuring crisp cucumber slices coated with toasted sesame seeds and a sweet-savory dressing. Perfect for light meals, picnics, or as a healthy appetizer, it combines coolness with nutty flavor and a hint of salt. Great for summer menus.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let stand for about 15 minutes.
- Squeeze water from the salted cucumber slices.
- Combine the drained cucumber slices with sugar, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the cucumbers longer than 15 minutes. You can substitute sugar with honey or a sugar alternative for a healthier option. If you want a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of chili flakes. Make sure to use toasted sesame seeds for a deeper flavor, as raw seeds will not provide the same nutty taste. Pairing this dish with grilled meats can elevate your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cucumbers as a refreshing side dish with grilled chicken or fish. They also pair well with Asian-inspired dishes, making them a great accompaniment to sushi or stir-fries. For a complete meal, consider adding them to a salad with sliced avocado and greens. These cucumbers could even be a great topping for dishes like 'Brittany's Favorite Pickles.'
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will continue to release moisture, so it's best consumed fresh. If you want to refresh the dish, give it a gentle toss before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cucumbers will become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumbers With Sesame Seeds contains roughly 190 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of cucumbers like English or Persian cucumbers. They may have slightly different textures and flavors, but they will work well in this recipe. English cucumbers are typically less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them a great choice for salads.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products. You can enhance the flavor by adding a dash of soy sauce or rice vinegar, which will complement the sesame seeds nicely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of Sriracha into the cucumber mixture. You can also replace some of the salt with a 'Spicy Salt Substitute' to introduce a spicy kick while maintaining the flavor balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).