Best 7 Ginger Spiced Cucumbers Recipes

SWEET AND SPICY CUCUMBER GINGER SALAD

Steps:

• Peel the cucumbers and trim the ends. Run the tines of a fork in parallel lines down the length of the cucumbers to score what will be decorative lines on the slices.
• Slice thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. Sprinkle the slices with salt; let drain in a colander over a plate 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse and drain the cucumbers on towels. (see note)
• Make a dressing with the vinegar, mirin, ginger, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce, if using. Toss the cucumber with the dressing and the sesame seeds. Refrigerate to marinate about an hour.

CUCUMBER SALAD WITH SOY, GINGER AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Sprinkle the cucumbers with a generous amount of salt and let sit in a colander in the sink for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry on a kitchen towel. Transfer to a salad bowl.
• Whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, cayenne, and pepper. Whisk in the sesame oil and the sunflower or grapeseed oil. Toss with the cucumbers, scallions, and cilantro. Chill until ready to serve.

GINGER AND CUCUMBER JUICE

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, blend together the ginger, cucumber and 1/2 cup cold water. Strain and press the puree through a mesh sieve.
• Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon and cucumber wheel.
• Optional serving: Fill glasses with ice and one-half to two-thirds full with the blended juice. Top with lemonade and/or vodka.

SPICY CUCUMBER MARGARITA

Steps:

• Bring the lime juice, sugar, cilantro stems, halved jalapeno and 1/4 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, puree the cucumbers in a blender. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a liquid measuring cup, pressing on the solids with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate the cucumber puree until chilled.
• Pulse the salt and cilantro leaves in a mini food processor until the salt is green; transfer to a small plate. Run the squeezed limes around the rims of 4 glasses, then dip in the cilantro salt to coat.
• Strain the jalapeno syrup into a small pitcher. Stir in the cucumber juice, tequila and triple sec. Fill the prepared glasses with ice and add a few jalapeno slices. Pour in the cocktail.

SALTY-SWEET SALMON WITH GINGER AND SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Make the preserved ginger: The day before, whisk together the fish sauce, rice-wine vinegar and sugar, then add the ginger. Make sure it is covered by the liquid.
• Combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup and 1/4 cup water. Marinate the salmon in this for 2 hours, turning after 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber salad: Bring the vinegar to a boil. Add the sugar, salt, togarashi and ginger. Return to a boil, then let cool to room temperature. Put the cucumbers in a nonreactive container and cover with the vinegar mixture. Let sit at least one hour before serving.
• Preheat grill to low. Arrange salmon on a hinged grill basket, then cook, basting occasionally with the marinade, over a low flame for 5 minutes per side, or until just flaky. (Or broil, skin side down, 6 inches from the flame for 4 minutes, baste, then turn and broil for 2 minutes.) To serve, use a slotted spoon to place the cucumber salad on each of 4 plates. Lay the salmon next to the salad and serve topped with preserved ginger.

GARLIC-GINGER CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Quarter cucumbers lengthwise (if longer than 3 inches, halve crosswise first). Toss with sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Let stand 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Drain, then toss with rice vinegar and soy sauce.
• Heat safflower oil in a small skillet over medium-high. Add ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Pour over cucumbers; toss to combine. Season again, if desired. Transfer to a serving dish, discarding liquid. Top with sesame seeds and a few drops of chili oil.

GINGER-DILL PICKLES

Steps:

• Bring ginger, garlic, vinegar, sugar, salt, coriander seeds, and 2 cups water to a boil in a medium pot over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes.
• Place cucumbers and dill in a heatproof resealable container or jar (divide among several containers if necessary). Pour hot brining liquid over cucumbers and dill. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving.