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Korean-Style Spicy Cucumber Salad

Korean-style spicy cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Korean-style spicy cucumber salad featuring a vibrant homemade gochugaru dressing with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, toss gently, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1 to 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer milder spice), 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey or sugar, and the minced garlic clove. Whisk or shake well until the honey dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  3. After 10 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers with your hands or press them through a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid.
  4. Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers. Add the sliced green onions if using. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice with the dressing.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and mellow.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer for even thin cucumber slices. Salt cucumbers and let sit to draw out moisture for a crisp salad. Adjust gochugaru amount to control spice level. Toast sesame seeds for extra flavor. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes before serving. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Vegan option by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, gochugaru dressing, easy Korean recipe, quick side dish, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/korean-style-spicy-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-gochugaru-dressing/