Cucumber Salad with Spicy Wasabi Dressing

• dry wasabi↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons

  (or to taste)

• cucumbers2
• rice wine vinegar↗2 tablespoons

  or 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, mixed with 1 tbsp water

• sugar↗2 teaspoons
• sesame oil↗1 teaspoon
• salt and black pepper, freshly ground
• green onions↗1

  or 2 scallions, thinly sliced

• black sesame seeds↗1 tablespoon

  or 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted white)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Mix the wasabi with 1/2 teaspoon warm water in the bottom of a mixing bowl and let it stand for 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Peel the cucumbers, cut each one in half lengthwise, and use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out the seeds.

3. 3

   Cut the cucumbers widthwise into 1/4-inch crescents.

4. 4

   Add the vinegar and sugar to the wasabi and whisk until smooth.

5. 5

   Whisk in the sesame oil, salt, and pepper.

6. 6

   Just before serving, add the cucumbers, green onion, and sesame seeds to the dressing and mix well.