Description
Korean Cucumber Salad is a light, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that brightens any meal. Combining fresh cucumbers with tangy, spicy, and savory seasonings and a hint of natural sweetness, this easy-to-make salad complements a variety of dishes, from grilled proteins to rice bowls. It is quick to prepare, colorful, and customizable to suit any taste preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 large firm cucumbers (English or Korean cucumbers)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon natural sweetener (such as maple syrup natural)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly into half-moons or rounds according to your preference. For extra crunch, soak the sliced cucumbers in ice-cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain well before mixing.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), soy sauce (natural), sesame oil, minced garlic, natural sweetener, and red pepper flakes to create a bold and flavorful dressing.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers and add the sliced green onions. Toss everything gently to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture for vibrant flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty aroma. Serve the salad immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use firm cucumbers such as English or Korean varieties for the best crisp texture.
- Adjust the sweetness and vinegar levels to balance the flavors according to your taste.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances flavor melding and provides a cooler bite.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds to bring out richer flavor and crunchiness.
- Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; cucumbers may soften slightly over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Korean Cucumber Salad, Korean side dish, cucumber salad, refreshing salad, spicy cucumber, gluten free appetizer
