If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, this Korean-Style Cucumber Salad is just what you need! This vibrant salad features crisp cucumbers dressed in a spicy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements any meal, making it a fantastic addition to your dining table.
What makes this salad so special is the combination of crunchy cucumbers and a bold dressing made with Korean chili flakes and rice vinegar, creating a delightful balance of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. This Korean-Style Cucumber Salad is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite Korean dishes!
Resume of the Recipe
This Korean-Style Cucumber Salad features sliced cucumbers tossed in a spicy and tangy dressing made with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Ready in about 15 minutes, this salad is a quick and delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables!
With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this scrumptious salad in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Korean-Style Cucumber Salad, it was for a family dinner where I wanted to add a fresh and vibrant side dish. As I sliced the cucumbers and mixed the dressing, the enticing aroma of garlic and sesame oil filled my kitchen, making everyone excited for dinner.
Once the salad was tossed and chilled, the bright colors and fresh ingredients looked absolutely inviting. The first bite was a delightful explosion of flavors—the crisp cucumbers paired perfectly with the spicy, tangy dressing. This Korean-Style Cucumber Salad has since become a favorite in our household, perfect for balancing richer dishes!
Why This Korean-Style Cucumber Salad?
- Fresh and Crisp: The combination of fresh cucumbers and bold flavors creates a refreshing salad that’s hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy days!
- Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a great addition to any meal.
How to Make Korean-Style Cucumber Salad
- Prepare the Cucumbers: In a bowl, sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and drain well.
- Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochugaru, sugar, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cucumbers and pour the dressing over them. Toss until the cucumbers are evenly coated in the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Enjoy: Your Korean-Style Cucumber Salad is ready to be served! Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing side dish with your favorite meals.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cucumbers: For the best flavor and texture, choose firm, fresh cucumbers.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of gochugaru to suit your spice preference.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add More Vegetables: You can include thinly sliced carrots or radishes for added color and crunch.
- Make It Sweeter: Adjust the sugar in the dressing according to your taste preference.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
Closing
And there you have it! This Korean-Style Cucumber Salad is a deliciously refreshing treat that will impress anyone who tries it. Don’t forget to let us know how your salad turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful side dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. - What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. - Can I use regular chili flakes instead of gochugaru?
Yes, but it will change the flavor slightly; gochugaru adds a unique smokiness. - What if I want to make it spicier?
You can add more gochugaru or include sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick! - What sides pair well with this salad?
Serve alongside grilled meats, fried rice, or as part of a Korean barbecue spread. - How can I make this more festive?
Consider adding colorful bell pepper strips or cherry tomatoes for a vibrant touch! - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
This salad is best enjoyed cold; it’s not recommended to reheat it. - Can I use flavored oils?
Yes! A drizzle of chili oil can enhance the flavor and spice level. - How can I enhance the presentation?
Serve in a clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients! - Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Consider adding shredded chicken or tofu for a heartier dish. - How can I enhance the flavors?
Consider drizzling a little honey or sesame oil on top just before serving for an extra flavor boost!
Korean-Style Cucumber Salad
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 medium 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced (preferably Korean cucumbers or English cucumbers)
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 salt
1 tablespoon 1 sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
2 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons 2 rice vinegar
1 tablespoon 1 soy sauce
1 tablespoon 1 sesame oil
1 tablespoon 1 gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon 1 sugar
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: In a bowl, sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and drain well.
- Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochugaru, sugar, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cucumbers and pour the dressing over them. Toss until the cucumbers are evenly coated in the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Enjoy: Your Korean-Style Cucumber Salad is ready to be served! Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing side dish with your favorite meals.
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