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Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Garlic Dressing

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Garlic Dressing


Description

Hello, food lovers! If you’re in the mood for something fresh, spicy, and bursting with flavor, this Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Garlic Dressing is the perfect dish for you. This vibrant salad is packed with crisp cucumbers, a punchy garlic and sesame dressing, and just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned pro, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to impress!


Ingredients

Scale

 

  • 5 mini cucumbers or 23 regular cucumbers
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 3 tsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tsp chili oil
  • 3 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • 3 tbsp green onions, diced (optional)

Instructions

 

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and green onions. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, and sesame oil. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, forming a rich and flavorful dressing.
  2. Slice the Cucumbers: Using a spiralizer, slice the cucumbers into fun, curly shapes, or alternatively, use a sharp knife to cut them into thin rounds. This will help the cucumbers absorb the dressing better.
  3. Salting the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle them evenly with salt. Allow them to sit for 8-12 minutes to release excess water, which will enhance the cucumber’s crunch.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Once the cucumbers have rested, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are ready to absorb the delicious dressing.
  5. Toss with Dressing: In a large bowl, toss the dried cucumber slices with the prepared dressing until they are evenly coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions before serving for an added layer of flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh cucumbers: Always opt for fresh cucumbers to maximize the crispiness of the salad. The fresher they are, the better the texture and taste.
  • Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can control the heat by reducing the amount of chili oil. Conversely, if you love spicy food, feel free to add more chili oil or even sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Experiment with vinegar: While rice vinegar is the traditional choice, you can also use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.