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Flavorful Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad

Korean spicy cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Korean spicy cucumber salad with toasted sesame seeds, balancing spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors for a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (about 16 oz / 450 g), thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 small clove)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 large English cucumbers into rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to coat and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  2. After 15 minutes, use a colander or your hands to squeeze out the liquid from the cucumbers. Pat dry with a paper towel if needed.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon gochugaru, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger (if using). Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is vibrant.
  4. Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Add drained cucumbers and sliced green onions to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each slice. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and toss lightly again.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning; warming sesame oil before mixing enhances aroma. Drain cucumbers well to avoid watery salad. Add toasted sesame seeds just before serving to maintain crunch. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Optional to add thinly sliced radishes or julienned carrots for extra crunch and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, gochugaru salad, toasted sesame, quick side dish, Korean side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://milacook.com/flavorful-korean-spicy-cucumber-salad-recipe-5-easy-steps-to-perfect-side-dish/