Korean Cucumber Salad

This Korean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor. With its crisp cucumber slices tossed in a savory-sweet dressing, it makes for the perfect side dish to complement any meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is full of bold flavors from the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that’s both refreshing and full of flavor, this Korean Cucumber Salad is just the recipe you need. The combination of crisp cucumbers, savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and nutty sesame oil creates a flavor profile that is light yet deeply satisfying. The touch of sweetness from sugar and the heat from red pepper flakes give the salad a unique and bold taste that makes it stand out. It’s simple to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or even as a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 English cucumbers
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt to taste

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like thinly sliced radishes or carrots for extra crunch and color.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a small chopped chili for a spicier kick.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but if you want to enhance the umami flavor, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Herb Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a fragrant and fresh twist to the salad.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers

Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Place the slices into a large bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Cucumbers and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Toss everything together gently to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Let the Salad Marinate

Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps to enhance the taste and gives the cucumbers a chance to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped green onions and a pinch of salt to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Thin Slices: For the best texture, slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible. This will allow the dressing to soak into the cucumbers more effectively, creating a flavorful bite.
• Use English Cucumbers: English cucumbers are preferred for this recipe as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them perfect for salads.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
• Allow the Salad to Sit: Letting the salad rest for at least 15 minutes before serving helps the cucumbers to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the dressing.

How to Serve

This Korean Cucumber Salad is versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as Korean BBQ, or as a side to rice-based meals like Bibimbap. It’s also great as a refreshing appetizer or side dish for Asian-inspired meals. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a light and zesty addition to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.

Freezing

It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the cucumbers will become soggy once thawed, losing their fresh crunch.

Reheating

This salad is served cold, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, but English cucumbers have a thinner skin and fewer seeds, which make them ideal for this salad. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and scoop out the seeds.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. However, it’s best to eat it within 1-2 days for the freshest taste.

3. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Rice vinegar works best for this salad, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

4. Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild level of spice due to the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less, or omitting them altogether.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor.

6. How can I make this salad sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dressing by a teaspoon or two.

7. Can I make this salad with a different oil?

While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, you can use another neutral oil like vegetable oil, but it won’t have the same nutty flavor.

8. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it.

9. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

10. Can I use other types of seeds in this salad?

Yes, you can substitute sesame seeds with other seeds like sunflower seeds, but sesame seeds are traditional in this recipe.

Conclusion

Korean Cucumber Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together crisp cucumbers, savory soy sauce, and aromatic sesame oil. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish for gatherings. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or light snack, it’s sure to delight your taste buds!

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