Hello and welcome to our kitchen! If you’re a fan of light and tangy salads with a touch of spice, you’re in for a treat with our Korean Cucumber Salad. This refreshing side dish brings together crisp cucumbers, savory soy sauce, spicy chili oil, and aromatic garlic in a way that’s both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a hot day or alongside your favorite Korean BBQ, this dish is a must-try. Stay with us as we guide you through the easy steps to whip up this delicious recipe.
Introduction
Korean Cucumber Salad, also known as Oi Muchim, is a traditional Korean side dish that showcases the unique balance of flavors in Korean cuisine—salty, spicy, tangy, and sweet. This salad is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a vegetarian option. With its fresh and crunchy cucumbers, it’s not only a great way to beat the heat during summer but also a fantastic addition to any meal year-round. What makes this dish so special is the simplicity of its ingredients, which come together to create a burst of flavor in every bite. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how you can recreate this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients for Korean Cucumber Salad
To make this Korean Cucumber Salad recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the distinct flavor profile that makes this salad so irresistible:
- 5 mini cucumbers or 2-3 regular-sized cucumbers
- 3 tsp salt (to draw out moisture from the cucumbers)
- 1.5 tsp soy sauce (adds umami and depth)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for a fragrant kick)
- 3 tsp rice vinegar (for tanginess)
- 3 tsp chili oil (for a bit of heat; adjust to taste)
- 3 tsp sugar (balances the flavors)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (adds nuttiness and richness)
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 3 tbsp green onions (optional, for added freshness)
These ingredients are all you need to create a salad that bursts with flavor and textures. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili oil depending on your preference.
How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad – Step by Step
Let’s break down how to make this Korean Cucumber Salad step by step, ensuring you get the perfect balance of flavors every time.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. If using mini cucumbers, slice them thinly with a sharp knife or a spiralizer for a fun twist. If you prefer using regular-sized cucumbers, slice them into thin rounds.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 8-12 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial to maintain a crunchy texture while allowing the dressing to penetrate the cucumbers.
- Rinse and Dry: After the cucumbers have rested, rinse them under cold water to remove the excess salt. Lay them out on paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, and sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined. The dressing should be tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated. For added flavor, you can let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and extra sesame seeds if desired, then serve the salad cold.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Helpful Tips for Korean Cucumber Salad
Here are a few tips to ensure your Korean Cucumber Salad turns out perfectly:
- Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you can reduce or omit the chili oil entirely. On the other hand, if you love a spicy kick, feel free to add more or even include red pepper flakes.
- Texture: To keep the cucumbers crunchy, don’t skip the salting and drying step. This helps remove excess moisture that can make the salad soggy.
- Customization: Feel free to add other veggies like shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
Cooking Tips for the Best Korean Cucumber Salad
To elevate your Korean Cucumber Salad, here are a few additional cooking techniques:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cucumbers, garlic, and green onions for the best flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: This salad tastes best when it’s cold. After tossing the cucumbers in the dressing, let the salad chill in the fridge for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Spiralize for Fun: If you have a spiralizer, use it to create cucumber noodles for a fun twist on this traditional dish. The spirals soak up the dressing beautifully and add a playful presentation to the salad.
Serving Suggestions for Korean Cucumber Salad
This Korean Cucumber Salad can be served in several ways:
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside your favorite Korean BBQ, grilled chicken, or seafood dishes. The crispness of the cucumbers complements rich, savory flavors perfectly.
- As an Appetizer: It makes a light and refreshing starter to any meal.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Option: This salad can stand alone as a healthy vegetarian or vegan dish. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to your meal plan. Each serving contains:
- Calories: 67 kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
The use of fresh cucumbers and simple ingredients ensures this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Storage and Leftovers for Korean Cucumber Salad
Wondering how to store any leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Korean Cucumber Salad fresh:
- In the Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crunch, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- Reheating: Since this is a cold dish, there’s no need to reheat it. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack or side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Korean Cucumber Salad
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to toss the cucumbers in the dressing right before serving.
2. How spicy is Korean Cucumber Salad? The level of spiciness depends on the amount of chili oil you use. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
3. Can I use a different type of vinegar? Yes, if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? To make this salad gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute.
Related Recipes for Korean Cucumber Salad Lovers
Looking for more recipes to complement your Korean Cucumber Salad? Try these:
These dishes pair perfectly with the crisp and refreshing flavors of Korean Cucumber Salad, creating a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got all the steps and tips, it’s time to try making this Korean Cucumber Salad for yourself. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light snack, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and refreshing crunch. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear your personal twists and favorite variations of this delicious dish.
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Korean Cucumber Salad – Easy, Refreshing, and Spicy Dish
Description
Korean Cucumber Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an accompaniment to your favorite main dish, this salad is a fantastic choice. The balance of tangy vinegar, spicy chili oil, and savory soy sauce makes it incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare! In this article, we’ll walk you through every step to make this popular Korean side dish at home. Keep reading to discover the secret to making the perfect Korean Cucumber Salad.
Ingredients
- 5 mini cucumbers or 2–3 regular-sized cucumbers
- 3 tsp salt (to draw out moisture from the cucumbers)
- 1.5 tsp soy sauce (adds umami and depth)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for a fragrant kick)
- 3 tsp rice vinegar (for tanginess)
- 3 tsp chili oil (for a bit of heat; adjust to taste)
- 3 tsp sugar (balances the flavors)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (adds nuttiness and richness)
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 3 tbsp green onions (optional, for added freshness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. If using mini cucumbers, slice them thinly with a sharp knife or a spiralizer for a fun twist. If you prefer using regular-sized cucumbers, slice them into thin rounds.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 8-12 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial to maintain a crunchy texture while allowing the dressing to penetrate the cucumbers.
- Rinse and Dry: After the cucumbers have rested, rinse them under cold water to remove the excess salt. Lay them out on paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, and sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined. The dressing should be tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated. For added flavor, you can let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and extra sesame seeds if desired, then serve the salad cold.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you can reduce or omit the chili oil entirely. On the other hand, if you love a spicy kick, feel free to add more or even include red pepper flakes.
- Texture: To keep the cucumbers crunchy, don’t skip the salting and drying step. This helps remove excess moisture that can make the salad soggy.
- Customization: Feel free to add other veggies like shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
