This salad is a refreshing and spicy side dish that originated in Korea. Meanwhile, its popularity has spread globally, and it is now enjoyed by people of various cultures. Additionally, the combination of cucumbers, sesame oil, and Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Similarly, the simplicity of this recipe makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a quick and easy side dish to prepare. Furthermore, the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available in most supermarkets, making it accessible to everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Korean Cucumber Salad
One of the main reasons why you will love this Korean cucumber salad is its versatility. Meanwhile, it can be served as a side dish, a snack, or even as a light lunch. Additionally, the spicy kick from the Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes adds a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Moreover, the cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch that helps to balance out the spiciness. As a result, this salad is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and delicious meal option.
Base Components
The base components of this salad are cucumbers, salt, and sesame oil. Meanwhile, the cucumbers are sliced into thick rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Additionally, the salt is used to draw out the excess water from the cucumbers, which helps to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Furthermore, the sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
Recipe
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Korean Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and spicy Korean cucumber salad made with cucumbers, sesame oil, and Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cucumber (sliced into thick rounds or 1/2 moons) (1000 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (5 g)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (45 ml)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (15 g)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (15 ml)
- 2 scallions (sliced thin) (20 g)
- 1–2 teaspoons Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes (5–10 g)
- toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) (10 g)
- fresh cilantro (for garnish) (10 g)
Instructions
- In a colander, toss cucumbers with 1 teaspoon of salt and set over a plate for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, 2 scallions, and 1-2 teaspoons of Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes.
- Lightly rinse the cucumber slices and use a kitchen towel to blot and dry.
- Add the cucumber slices to the dressing in the bowl and mix.
- Serve sprinkled with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- You can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
- You can use different types of chili pepper flakes, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to give the salad a different level of heat.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 40 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 153.8 mg
- Fat: 2.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.8 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this Korean cucumber salad, you will need the following ingredients: 4 cups of cucumbers, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, 2 scallions, 1-2 teaspoons of Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Meanwhile, you can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
Sauce and Seasonings
The sauce and seasonings used in this recipe are soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes. Meanwhile, the soy sauce adds a savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad. Additionally, the rice vinegar provides a tangy flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar. Furthermore, the Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes add a spicy kick that takes this salad to the next level.
How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad
To make this salad, start by slicing the cucumbers into thick rounds or half-moons. Meanwhile, place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and toss them with 1 teaspoon of salt. Additionally, let the cucumbers sit for 30 minutes to allow the excess water to be drawn out. Furthermore, after 30 minutes, rinse the cucumbers lightly with water and use a kitchen towel to blot and dry them.
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, 2 scallions, and 1-2 teaspoons of Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes. Meanwhile, make sure to taste the dressing as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Additionally, you can add more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Step 2: Combine the Cucumbers and Dressing
Once the cucumbers are dry, add them to the dressing and mix well. Meanwhile, make sure that the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of dressing to suit your desired level of flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure that your Korean cucumber salad turns out perfectly, follow these pro tips. Meanwhile, make sure to use thin-skinned, seedless cucumbers for the best results. Additionally, do not over-salt the cucumbers, as this can make the salad too salty. Furthermore, adjust the amount of Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake to avoid when making this salad is over-dressing the cucumbers. Meanwhile, this can make the salad too watery and unappetizing. Additionally, make sure to rinse the cucumbers lightly with water after they have sat for 30 minutes. Furthermore, do not skip the step of bloting and drying the cucumbers, as this helps to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Flavor Variations
This Korean cucumber salad is a versatile dish that can be modified to suit your taste preferences. Meanwhile, you can add other ingredients such as toasted almonds, diced bell peppers, or grated carrots to give the salad more texture and flavor.
Additionally, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Furthermore, you can use different types of chili pepper flakes, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to give the salad a different level of heat.
Spicy and Sweet Variations
If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add more Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes or use hotter chili pepper flakes. Meanwhile, if you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more sugar or use honey or maple syrup instead.
Additionally, you can balance out the spiciness with a sweetness from the sugar or honey. Furthermore, you can experiment with different combinations of spicy and sweet to find your perfect flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Korean cucumber salad is a great side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Meanwhile, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats, such as chicken or beef, and can also be served with rice or noodles. Additionally, you can use it as a topping for salads or as a side dish for sandwiches. Furthermore, you can serve it as a light lunch or snack on its own. For example, you can serve it with Mexican street corn dip for a flavorful and spicy snack.
Meal Ideas
This salad is a great addition to many meals. Meanwhile, you can serve it with extra virgin olive oil herb dip as a side dish for a healthy and delicious meal. Additionally, you can use it as a topping for lemon ricotta spread for a refreshing and tangy snack.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To store this salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, it can be stored for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can freeze the salad for up to 2 months. Furthermore, make sure to label the container with the date and contents so that you can easily keep track of how long it has been stored.
Freezing and Reheating
When freezing the salad, make sure to press out as much air as possible from the container before sealing it. Meanwhile, this will help to prevent the formation of ice crystals and keep the salad fresh. Additionally, when reheating the salad, make sure to stir it well and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 calories | 2.8 g | 3.8 g | 0.3 g | 0.2 g | 3 g | 153.8 mg |
FAQs About Korean Cucumber Salad
What is Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes?
Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes are a type of chili pepper flake that is commonly used in Korean cuisine. Meanwhile, they have a spicy and smoky flavor that adds depth and heat to dishes. Additionally, they can be found in most Asian markets or online.
Can I use other types of chili pepper flakes?
<p,Yes, you can use other types of chili pepper flakes, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to give the salad a different level of heat. Meanwhile, make sure to adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this Korean cucumber salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Meanwhile, its unique flavor profile and versatility make it a great addition to many meals.
Additionally, the simplicity of this recipe makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a quick and easy side dish to prepare. Furthermore, the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available in most supermarkets, making it accessible to everyone.
