Korean Cucumber Salad
Easy Korean cucumber salad with Asian dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This Korean Cucumber Salad not only enhances your meal but also serves as a delightful side for gatherings or everyday dinners. With its vibrant flavors and versatility, you can easily customize it to suit your taste, whether you prefer it spicy or mildly sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy days.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of rice vinegar, chili oil, and garlic creates a zesty flavor that perfectly complements any main dish.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy this salad as a side, appetizer, or even a light lunch; it fits well with various cuisines.
- Healthy Ingredients: Low in calories yet packed with nutrients, this salad is a guilt-free addition to your meals.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the chili oil to make it as spicy or mild as you like, catering to all palates.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this delicious Korean Cucumber Salad requires only a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Spiralizer (optional)
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even cucumbers, enhancing presentation and texture.
- Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining marinade ingredients without making a mess.
- Spiralizer: Optional but fun tool that creates interesting shapes for your cucumbers, adding visual appeal to the salad.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Korean cucumber salad:
- 5 mini cucumbers (or 2-3 regular sizes, 4 cups)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2-3 tsp chili oil (adjust more or less for spicy or mild)
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 3 tbsp green onions (diced, optional)
How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and green onion.
- Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and both types of oil into the bowl.
- Stir together until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Using a spiralizer or a sharp knife, cut the cucumbers into thin slices or spirals.
- Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 8–12 minutes to release excess moisture.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Rinse the salted cucumbers under water to remove excess salt.
- Lay them on paper towels to absorb additional moisture.
- Place them in a bowl and pour the marinade over the cucumbers.
- Toss gently to ensure they are well-coated.
- Serve topped with extra sesame seeds and diced green onions if desired.
Enjoy your fresh and zesty Korean Cucumber Salad, perfect for any meal!
How to Serve Korean Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad is a versatile dish that can complement a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, dinner party, or as part of your weekly meal prep, there are many ways to enjoy this refreshing salad.
As a Side Dish
- Pair this salad with grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside rice dishes to add a crunchy texture.
In Wraps
- Use the salad as a filling for lettuce wraps for added flavor and crunch.
- Add it to tacos for a spicy twist on traditional toppings.
On Top of Rice Bowls
- Spoon it over rice bowls for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
- Mix it with other vegetables in a grain bowl for a balanced meal.
As an Appetizer
- Serve chilled in small cups as a light starter before the main course.
- Pair with dumplings or spring rolls for an Asian-inspired appetizer platter.
With Noodles
- Toss it into cold noodle salads for added crunch and zest.
- Use it as a topping on Asian-style cold noodle dishes.
How to Perfect Korean Cucumber Salad
To make your Korean cucumber salad truly stand out, consider these simple tips. They will help enhance the flavors and textures of this delightful dish.
- Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Select firm mini cucumbers or regular cucumbers with minimal blemishes for the best crunch.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning by increasing or decreasing chili oil based on your heat preference.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving for better flavor absorption.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Consider adding crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots for extra texture.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Try adding other vegetables like radishes or carrots for added color and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Serve it cold from the fridge to enhance its refreshing qualities.
Best Side Dishes for Korean Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its unique flavors.
- Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish adds tanginess and depth, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.
- Steamed Rice: A staple in many Asian cuisines, rice offers a mild base that balances the spicy notes of the cucumber salad.
- Grilled Meat Skewers: Chicken or beef skewers bring protein to your plate and work well with the freshness of the salad.
- Japchae (Sweet Potato Noodles): These stir-fried noodles provide sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salad’s spices.
- Spicy Tofu Bites: Crispy tofu seasoned with spices adds protein and complements the freshness of the cucumber dish perfectly.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, they serve as an excellent counterpart to the crunchy cucumber salad.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your meal while providing umami flavors that pair nicely with cucumbers.
- Pickled Vegetables: Additional pickles can enhance flavors and bring more crunch to your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Korean Cucumber Salad can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Over-salting: Adding too much salt can make the salad overly salty. Use only a teaspoon of salt and taste before adding more.
- Skipping the resting time: Not letting the cucumbers rest after salting will prevent them from releasing excess water. Allow them to sit for 8-12 minutes.
- Neglecting to rinse: Failing to rinse the cucumbers after salting can lead to a soggy salad. Always rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt.
- Using old cucumbers: Old or soft cucumbers will not provide the desired crunch. Choose fresh mini or regular cucumbers for a crisp texture.
- Ignoring spice levels: If you like it spicy, don’t be shy with chili oil! Adjust according to your heat preference for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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- Containers: Use glass or plastic containers with tight seals.
Freezing Korean Cucumber Salad
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- Not recommended: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to its high water content.
Reheating Korean Cucumber Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; this salad is served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it can make the salad soggy.
- Stovetop: Do not reheat; serve chilled for best quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and storing Korean Cucumber Salad:
What is Korean Cucumber Salad?
Korean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish made with cucumbers, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, often enjoyed cold.
Can I make Korean Cucumber Salad in advance?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I customize my Korean Cucumber Salad?
You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness by changing sugar and chili oil amounts. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or radishes.
Is Korean Cucumber Salad vegan?
Yes, this dish is completely vegan as it contains no animal products.
Final Thoughts
Korean Cucumber Salad is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a burst of fresh flavors that can be adjusted to your taste. Whether you prefer it spicy or sweet, this versatile recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients for a personalized touch!
Korean Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Korean Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that brings an explosion of flavors to any meal. This easy-to-make salad features crisp cucumbers drizzled with a tangy dressing made from rice vinegar, garlic, and chili oil. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Asian dishes, this salad can be customized to suit your desired spice level. With its quick preparation time and healthy ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Ingredients
- 5 mini cucumbers (or 2–3 regular cucumbers)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2–3 tsp chili oil (adjust based on spice preference)
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: 2 tsp sesame seeds
- Optional: 3 tbsp diced green onions
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and green onion.
- Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, and both oils; stir until well combined.
- Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or spiralizer, then sprinkle with salt and let sit for 8–12 minutes.
- Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt and pat dry with paper towels.
- Toss the cucumbers in the marinade until evenly coated.
- Serve chilled, topped with extra sesame seeds or diced green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
