Paleo Asian Side Dishes – 3 simple and quick Asian-inspired Paleo vegetable sides that will become your favorite side dish recipes !

Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

This week I’m sharing with you three very popular everyday Paleo Asian Side Dishes –

Cold Garlicky Cucumbers – 涼拌黃瓜 (Liángbàn huángguā)

Chilled Sesame Spinach – 芝麻菠菜 (Zhīma bōcài)

Crunchy Celery-Carrot Slaw – 涼拌芹菜 (Liángbàn qíncài)

Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

These vegetable sides are great for winter and summer. Easy and quick, and they go perfectly with any protein-rich main dish, like my Paleo Mongolian Beef, Paleo Tender Pork Roast, or Thai Red Curry Chicken.

Click the Pin button & Save these three mouthwatering Paleo Asian Side Dishes.

They will become your favorite after one bite !

 

Cold Garlicky Cucumbers – Paleo Asian Side Dishes #1

Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

This is probably one of the most iconic side dishes in Taiwan. Almost every noodle shop along the streets of Taiwan serves this cold garlicky cucumber dish.

There are 3 key things to know so the cucumbers will be crunchy and refreshing.

1. Use mini Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers.

These cucumbers have thinner skin and there’s no need to remove the outer skin. My first choice would be to use the mini cucumbers.

2. Remove the seeds of the cucumbers. 

After slicing them in half, use a small teaspoon to scoop out the seeds so that the cucumbers will be less watery and remain crunchy.

3. Smash them.

Oh yeah. You’ve heard me right. Smash them in a ziplock bag with a meat pounder or a small bottle. Why smash ? The smashed cucumbers will grab the dressing sauce better and hence they will be more yum!

Chilled Sesame Spinach – Paleo Asian Side Dishes #2

Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

There are quite a few different dressings for this dish but my favorite is the Sesame paste dressing.

My Paleo Sesame paste dressing is very versatile. You can use it not only for this dish but also for salad dressing or even for grilled chicken breasts.

Follow the recipe instructions below and taste and make adjustments to your desired consistency.

It’s creamy, savory, and with a hint of toasted sesame fragrance and slightly sweet.

I’m mouthwatering just thinking about this Chilled Sesame Spinach.

Crunchy Celery-Carrot Slaw – Paleo Asian Side Dishes #3

Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

Similar to the cold garlicky cucumber, the crunchy celery and carrot salad tastes even better the day after.

Cut the front and tip-end of the celery and use a peeler to peel off the outer tough fibrous skin. Slice them to matchstick thin (about 3-inch length as instructed below).

Give them a quick toss in hot boiling water and rinse in cold tap water. Add some simple seasonings and voila! Another wonderful Paleo Asian Side Dish is ready to go !

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Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

Paleo Asian Side Dishes. Simple and quick Paleo vegetable side dishes. Garlicky cucumbers, sesame spinach, celery carrot slaw. Paleo Asian food. Paleo Chinese food. IHeartUmami.com

Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP cucumber salad.
5 from 1 vote

Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: ChihYu Smith
Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is the perfect year-round Paleo/Whole30/Keto side dish. The cucumbers are crunchy and garlicky. Every bite is so refreshing. Add this Chinese Cucumber Salad to your everyday easy homemade meal. They will bring new exciting flavor to your dinner table ! 
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Ingredients 

  • 14 Oz. Persian mini cucumbers, (alt. 1 large English cucumber)
  • 1/2 + 1/8 tsp Coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 tbsp Grated garlic
  • 4 tsp Rice vinegar, (alt. 3 tsp apple cider vinegar)
  • 1-2 tsp Toasted sesame oil, (optional)

Instructions 

  • Rinse and pat dry the cucumbers. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Use a small teaspoon to scoop out the seeds. Set the seeds aside for another use.  
    Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP cucumber salad.
  • Roughly chop the cucumbers in diagonal shape (about 1.5-inch length). You want to create some uneven angles. They don’t need to be in uniform shape. Place the chopped cucumbers in a large ziplock bag. Seal the bag and lightly smash the cucumbers with a flat bottom bottle or meat pounder. The skin will begin to crack.
    Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP cucumber salad.
  • Sprinkle ½ + ⅛ tsp coarse salt and use your hands to gently rub the salt into each cucumber pieces. Sat them aside in the fridge for 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes). Discard the water. There’s no need to rinse the cucumbers. 
    Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP cucumber salad.
  • Toss the cucumbers with grated garlic, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Taste and make seasoning adjustments (more salt, garlic, or vinegar) to your liking. Best serve immediately chilled or store extra in the fridge and finish them the next day. 
    Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe Paleo, Whole30, Keto, AIP cucumber salad.

Video

Notes

This dish tastes better when it’s freshly made. If you happen to make extra, store them in the fridge. I recommend finishing them the next day. You’ll notice some liquid in the container after sitting in the fridge overnight but it should not affect the taste.
 
When smash the cucumbers, some parts will crack while others won’t. Try not to smash them too hard or they will become a mushy mess.

Nutrition

Calories: 17kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Sodium: 74mg, Potassium: 145mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 105IU, Vitamin C: 3.1mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Course: Side Dish, vegetable
Cuisine: Chinese, Taiwanese
Keyword: Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @iheartumami.ny on Instagram and hashtag it #iheartumami.
Gomaae Spinach Salad Recipe
4.67 from 3 votes

Gomaae Japanese Spinach Salad (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 3 people
Author: ChihYu Smith
Easy Gomaae Japanese Spinach with roasted sesame goma dressing is a fantastic Paleo/Whole30/Keto side dish to incorporate a vast volume of greens into your daily meal!
 
 
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Ingredients 

  • Coarse salt
  • 1 large bundle Fresh spinach
  • Toasted sesame seeds, optional

Sesame Sauce (without mayo) - Dressing Choice 2

Instructions 

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Season the water with a pinch of salt.
  • In the meantime, prepare the sesame sauce: Mix together the sauce ingredients with 1 ½ tablespoons water (add more for a thinner saucin a small bowl and set aside.
  • Rinse the spinach. roughly cut the whole bunch of spinach into three to four large sections.
  • Quickly blanch the spinach in the boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds. drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and preserve the vibrant color.
  • Gently squeeze the spinach with your hands to remove all of the excess water. Place the spinach in a serving bowl. drizzle with the sesame sauce and give the spinach a quick toss. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

Video

Notes

The nutritional label is calculated with Dressing no. 2 (without the mayo). 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 69kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 183mg, Potassium: 34mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 35IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Course: Side Dish, vegetable
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: Goma Sauce, Gomaae Japanese Spinach, Japanese Spinach Salad
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @iheartumami.ny on Instagram and hashtag it #iheartumami.
Asian Carrot-Celery Slaw recipe is the best Asian Carrot Salad for Paleo, Whole30, and Gluten-free healthy living!
5 from 1 vote

Asian Carrot-Celery Slaw (Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-Free)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: ChihYu Smith
Terrific Asian Carrot-Celery Slaw is the best Asian celery and carrot salad that pairs well with everything! Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-free and crunchy delicious!
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Ingredients 

  • 5-6 stalks celery
  • 2 medium carrots

Asian Carrot-Celery Slaw Seasonings:

  • ¼ to ½ tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Small pinch white pepper
  • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds

Instructions 

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Season the water with a pinch of salt.
  • In the meantime, prepare celery and carrots.
  • For celery, cut off the base and leaves, then wash the stalks under running water. Use a peeler to remove any fibrous and tough strings. Dice them to about 2.5 to 3-inch length sections then slice lengthwise to matchstick shape.
  • For carrots, slice them diagonally into thin slices (a little thicker than 1/8-inch thick). Stack 2-3 slices a time on top of each other, then cut through the layers to create matchsticks.
  • Blanch celery and carrot matchsticks in hot boiling water for about 1 minute.
  • Quickly rinse them under cold or ice cold water to stop cooking and preserve the vibrant color.
  • Drain and shake excess water from the vegetables before adding them to a large bowl.
  • Stir to coat seasonings from salt to white pepper.
  • Toss well and set aside for 30 minutes to develop the flavor or best marinate overnight. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Best serve chilled.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 52kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 206mg, Potassium: 228mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 5320IU, Vitamin C: 3.4mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Course: Side Dish, vegetable
Cuisine: Chinese, Taiwanese
Keyword: Asian Carrot-Celery Slaw, Carrot Salad, Carrot Slaw, Celery Salad, Celery Slaw
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @iheartumami.ny on Instagram and hashtag it #iheartumami.