Inspired by: @dafnelately
Craving a burst of flavor that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying? This Easy Vegan Spicy Garlic Chili Oil Cucumber recipe, inspired by the popular garlic cucumber dish served at Chengdu, is your answer! Perfect for a quick weeknight side or an impressive appetizer, this plant-based dish brings vibrant, savory notes to your table in minutes. It's a spontaneous creation that tastes anything but, delivering an "umami bomb" that will have everyone reaching for more.
What problem does this recipe solve? It's for anyone looking for easy vegan appetizers, a quick healthy side dish, or a flavorful Asian-inspired cucumber salad. This recipe answers questions like "How can I make a restaurant-quality spicy cucumber dish at home?" or "What's a simple, umami-packed vegan side?"
Many home cooks, like dafnelately, love whipping up delicious vegan dishes spontaneously. As dafnelately noted, "Most of my #veganrecipes come that way anyways!" And the community agrees on the star ingredient: "What a shame cuz this chili oil is soooo good 😋" Indeed, the rich, aromatic chili oil glaze is what truly brings this dish to life!
Ingredients
This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful, oily glaze that coats crisp cucumbers, delivering a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and umami notes.
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers
- 2 parts (e.g., 2 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 2 parts (e.g., 2 tbsp) chilli oil (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 part (e.g., 1 tbsp) sesame oil
- Small handful of lightly fried bits of seaweed (nori)
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Optional: Sesame seeds and chilli flakes for garnish
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife or mandoline (for slicing cucumbers)
- Small pan or pot (for frying garlic and seaweed)
- Mixing bowl
- Serving plate
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers. You can slice them thinly, or for a more rustic, "smashed" cucumber texture (common in Chinese cuisine), lightly smash them with the side of a knife and then roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a serving bowl.
- Fry Garlic and Seaweed: In a small pan, heat a tiny amount of your chosen oil. Add the minced garlic and seaweed bits. Fry lightly until the garlic is fragrant and the seaweed is crispy. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Glaze: In a separate small bowl, combine the vegetable oil, chili oil, and sesame oil in the specified 2:2:1 ratio. Mix well.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the chili oil glaze over the prepared cucumbers. Add the fried garlic and crispy seaweed bits. Toss gently to ensure all cucumber pieces are coated.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra chili flakes for added visual appeal and a kick of heat.
Variations & Tips
- Spice Level: The original recipe notes the chili oil isn't too spicy, but you can always adjust the ratio of chilli oil to vegetable oil to control the heat. For more fiery flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili pepper powder or a dash of sriracha.
- Add Umami Depth: The original author mentioned a "salty, greasy, gunk" pantry goodie that adds an incredible burst of umami. While not part of the core glaze recipe, if you have a favorite vegan umami paste, mushroom seasoning, or even a dash of tamari or liquid aminos, feel free to experiment with a small amount in your glaze for an extra layer of savory richness.
- Crispier Cucumbers: For extra crispness, chill your cucumbers in ice water for 10-15 minutes after slicing and before dressing. Ensure they are well-drained.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or as a fresh counterpoint to heavier Asian main courses.
Related Articles
Looking for more quick and delicious vegan recipes? Check out these other favorites from the abillion community:
- Discover how to make a hearty and flavorful main dish with our guide to Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe.
- Explore another Asian-inspired gem: Spicy 'Fish' Fragrant Eggplant.
- Unlock even more savory depths with tips from our article on Unlock Umami.
- Craving more quick and easy noodles? Try the Quick & Easy Vegan Black Pepper Fried Noodles.
Bring the flavors of Chengdu home! Give this Easy Vegan Spicy Garlic Chili Oil Cucumbers recipe a try tonight. Share your creations on abillion and tag @dafnelately to show your appreciation! We love seeing how you enjoy these delicious plant-based dishes.
