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Fresh Korean-Style Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Sesame Oil

Korean-style spicy cucumber salad - featured image
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A fresh, spicy, and flavorful Korean-style cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy, nutty dressing with gochugaru and toasted sesame oil. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers or Korean cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers well. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly—about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt over the cucumber slices. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. After 10 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers with your hands or use a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess water.
  4. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, 1 to 1.5 tablespoons gochugaru (adjust to your spice preference), 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves and ingredients are well blended.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss to coat all slices evenly. Add the thinly sliced green onion and toss lightly again.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. For best results, let the salad rest in the fridge for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, but it’s also great fresh.

Notes

Salting cucumbers and draining excess water is crucial to keep the salad crisp and prevent sogginess. Adjust gochugaru to control spice level. Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Letting the salad chill before serving helps flavors meld. Optional: add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of MSG for umami boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, gochugaru salad, sesame oil salad, easy Korean side dish, quick cucumber salad

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/fresh-korean-style-spicy-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-sesame-oil/