Looking for a quick, fresh, and flavorful appetizer that’s ready in minutes? This Spicy Cucumber Appetizer with Sesame is the perfect mix of crunchy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s super easy to make, needs just five simple ingredients, and is impossible to mess up.

Whether you're serving it as a light starter, a healthy snack, or a refreshing side dish, this recipe always works. The cool, crisp cucumber goes perfectly with the bold soy chili dip, creating an irresistible bite.

An aerial photo: in the foreground a glass with soy and chili sauce dip, then two chopsticks and in the background cucumber strips in a blue bowl.

Refreshing Cucumber Strips with Dip

Cucumber has long been a staple in many cuisines, from Asian-inspired dishes to classic European salads. This version, with its bold soy-chili dip, takes inspiration from traditional Asian flavors and is perfect for anyone who loves a little heat.

In the Netherlands, we often serve cucumber, cheese, and carrots at parties, but this spicy twist makes for a more flavorful upgrade. Not only is it great on its own, but you can also pair it with dishes like soy sauce chicken with lemon rice, or char siu for a complete meal. Looking to switch things up? Try adding radishes or celery for extra crunch, or toast the sesame seeds for an even deeper, nuttier flavor.

A photo from above of a blue bowl with cucumber with sesame seeds and above that a glass with dip sauce. Two golden chopsticks lie in between.

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A square photo with a bowl of cucumber and sesame strips in the background, two chopsticks and a glass with a spicy dipping sauce in the front.

Spicy Cucumber Appetizer with Sesame

Andréa

This Spicy Cucumber Appetizer with Sesame is a quick, flavorful, and crunchy snack! Perfect as a side dish, light appetizer, or healthy snack.

5 of 3 votes

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Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Appetizers and Snacks, Salad

Cuisine Asian

Servings persons

Calories 122 kcal

Ingredients

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Metric - US Customary

Instructions

Peel the cucumber and cut it in half lengthwise.
1 cucumber
Use a spoon to remove the seeds. Cut the cucumber into thin strips.
Mix the chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons Japanese soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Toast the sesame seeds for about 30 seconds until golden brown.
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Place the cucumber strips on a platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve with the dipping sauce as a healthy appetizer.

Notes

1. How do I keep the cucumber crisp? Remove the seeds with a spoon before slicing—it helps keep the cucumber fresh and crunchy.

2. How do I make it milder? Use less chili sauce or add a drizzle of honey to balance the heat.

3. Can I use other vegetables? Yes! Radishes, carrots, or celery also work well with this dressing.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Refrigerator: Just keep the cucumber and dip separate until serving for the best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 688mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 108IUVitamin C: 5mgIron: 1mg

Keyword a healthy appetizer recipe

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