Spicy Cucumber Noodle Bowl (Printable)

Spiralized cucumbers mixed with chili crisp sauce and fresh aromatics for a light, flavorful lunch or side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, spiralized or julienned
02 - 1 medium carrot, julienned (optional)
03 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
06 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
08 - 1 tablespoon chili crisp or chili oil
09 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
10 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
11 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
12 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Toppings (optional)

13 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
14 - Extra chili crisp
15 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Spiralize the cucumbers and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the spiralized cucumbers, carrot, scallions, and cilantro.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili crisp, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds until fully blended.
04 - Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Divide the mixture into serving bowls and top with chopped peanuts, extra chili crisp, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
06 - Serve immediately to retain maximum crunch.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes with zero cooking, so no steam in the kitchen on hot days.
  • The chili oil and sesame create an addictive flavor that makes you want to keep eating even when you're full.
  • Naturally vegetarian and can easily be vegan or gluten-free, which means almost anyone can enjoy it.
02 -
  • Pat your cucumbers completely dry, or the sauce will dilute and the whole bowl becomes soggy within minutes of sitting—I learned this the hard way the first time I made it.
  • Don't dress the salad too far in advance; the magic is in that first few minutes when everything is crisp and the flavors are sharp and distinct.
03 -
  • If your chili crisp is old or the sesame seeds aren't toasted, the whole bowl loses its magic—these are the ingredients that matter most, so keep them fresh.
  • A squeeze of lime at the end isn't optional; it brings everything into sharp focus and makes the spice taste brighter instead of just hot.
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