Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Korean cucumber salad might be simple, but it’s anything but boring. When it comes to Korean side dishes (banchan), Oi Muchim is a standout.
Servings: 250 gram
Calories: 1kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 medium size English cucumber diced
- 2 sprigs green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds (til)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Ingredients For Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon Korean red chilli flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Wash your cucumbers thoroughly and slice them about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. You can slice them into rounds or thin half-moons depending on your preference.
- Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle them with a full teaspoon of salt. Toss well and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture and helps maintain that satisfying crunch.
- After 10 minutes, drain the cucumbers and gently squeeze out any remaining water. Pat dry with a paper towel if needed.
- In a small bowl, combine gochugaru, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce (if using), and half of the sesame seeds. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the drained cucumbers and chopped scallions to the seasoning mix. Toss gently to coat every slice in that beautiful red marinade.
- Taste and adjust: add more vinegar for tang, more sugar for sweetness, or a touch more gochugaru if you like it spicier.
- Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds on top, and Korean cucumber salad is ready!
- Serve salad immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavours meld.
Video
Notes
- No need to peel the cucumbers unless the skin is waxy.
- While cutting make sure not to thinly slice them otherwise after dressing cucumbers will not retain their shape and become wilted.
- Go easy on the garlic: Raw garlic is strong. A little goes a long way, so start with less and taste before adding more.
- Add-ins: Add thinly sliced onions, carrots, or even a dash of fish sauce for more umami.
Nutrition
Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.03mg