Description
Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad is a popular side dish in Korean cuisine. It is known for its crisp, refreshing texture, enhanced by the bold flavors of Korean red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru), sesame oil, and vinegar. The dish is typically served cold or at room temperature, making it the perfect side for any main course, especially when paired with Korean BBQ or rice-based meals.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers – 2 Korean cucumbers or 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Korean Red Chili Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru) – 1 tablespoon
- Scallions – 1 tablespoon (chopped)
- Garlic – ½ teaspoon (minced)
- Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
- Sugar – ½ teaspoon
- Sesame Seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers
- Thinly slice the cucumbers (about ⅛ to ¼-inch thick).
- Toss gently with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Drain the liquid but avoid squeezing the cucumbers to prevent bruising.
- Mix the Seasoning
- In a bowl, combine gochugaru, scallions, garlic, vinegar, sugar, sesame seeds, and sesame oil.
- Stir well to create a flavorful dressing.
- Combine & Serve
- Toss the drained cucumber slices with the seasoning mixture.
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This crisp, spicy, and refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect side dish to balance out rich or grilled Korean dishes. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be chilled for a short time to let the flavors meld. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Korean
Keywords: Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad