Korean Cucumber Salad
Easy Korean cucumber salad with Asian dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This Korean Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumbers with a zesty sauce, making it an ideal appetizer or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a light snack, this salad stands out for its vibrant taste and quick preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 15 minutes to make, allowing you to whip it up in no time.
- Flavorful Profile: The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil delivers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Versatile Dish: It pairs well with various main courses or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cucumbers ensures that every bite is crunchy and satisfying.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili oil to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Korean cucumber salad efficiently, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spiralizer (optional)
- Small bowl for dressing
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing cucumbers, enhancing the presentation.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows for easy tossing of ingredients, ensuring even coating with the dressing.
- Spiralizer (optional): If you want fun shapes for your cucumbers, a spiralizer makes it easy to create beautiful spirals.
Ingredients
Easy Korean cucumber salad with Asian dressing is a delicious cold side dish or vegetarian dish. You can make it spicy or leave a bit sweet.
Fresh Ingredients
- 5 mini cucumbers (or 2-3 regular sizes, 4 cups)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2-3 tsp chili oil (adjust more or less for spicy or mild)
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 3 tbsp green onions (diced, optional)
How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and green onion. Add rice vinegar and all of the oil. Mix together to coat evenly.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers
To create interesting shapes, use a spiralizer or slice thinly with a sharp knife. Sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for 8-12 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse and Combine
After the cucumbers have rested, rinse them with water. Lay them on paper towels to absorb some excess moisture. Transfer them into a mixing bowl. Pour the rice vinegar marinade over the cucumbers and toss to coat thoroughly. Serve topped with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
How to Serve Korean Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing dish that complements many meals. It’s perfect as a side or appetizer, adding a burst of flavor and crunch. Here are some great ways to serve it.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with grilled meats like bulgogi for a fresh contrast.
- Enjoy alongside fried rice to balance the richness.
- Serve with any spicy dish to cool down the palate.
In Tacos
- Use as a topping for Korean-style tacos, enhancing them with a crisp texture.
- Add it to fish tacos for a zesty kick.
As a Salad Base
- Place it on top of mixed greens for a vibrant salad.
- Combine with other vegetables for extra crunch and color.
With Noodles
- Toss into cold noodles for added flavor and crunch.
- Mix with soba or rice noodles for a light meal.
How to Perfect Korean Cucumber Salad
To make your Korean cucumber salad truly shine, consider these tips. They will elevate the flavors and textures of your dish.
- Choose the right cucumbers: Mini cucumbers are ideal for their crispness, but regular cucumbers work well too.
- Salt the cucumbers: Salting helps remove excess moisture, making the salad less watery.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the chili oil amount according to your spice preference.
- Marinate longer: Allow cucumbers to soak in the dressing for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Garnish generously: Add extra sesame seeds and green onions just before serving for added flair.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for an hour prior to serving for an extra refreshing experience.
Best Side Dishes for Korean Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors.
- Kimchi – The fermented tanginess of kimchi balances well with the freshness of cucumber salad.
- Steamed Rice – Simple white or brown rice provides a neutral base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Japchae – These sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables offer a delightful textural contrast.
- Korean Fried Chicken – Crispy chicken adds richness, making it an excellent pairing with this refreshing salad.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies charred on the grill bring smokiness that enhances the overall meal.
- Tofu Stir-Fry – A protein-rich option that can be seasoned in various ways to complement the salad’s flavors.
- Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide crunch and satisfaction alongside the light salad.
- Seaweed Salad – This dish adds umami flavors and another layer of texture, making your meal more interesting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Korean cucumber salad, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Over-salting the cucumbers: Too much salt can make your salad overly salty. Use just 1 teaspoon and adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Not letting cucumbers rest: Failing to let the salted cucumbers sit for at least 8 minutes can result in a less flavorful dish. Give them time to draw out excess water.
- Skipping the marinating step: If you skip marinating the cucumbers in the dressing, they won’t absorb the flavors well. Always toss them in the marinade before serving.
- Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for this salad. Ensure your cucumbers and herbs are fresh to enhance flavor and texture.
- Ignoring spice levels: Not adjusting the chili oil can lead to a salad that’s too spicy or not spicy enough. Start with less and add more gradually based on your heat preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it chilled in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freezing Korean Cucumber Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of cucumbers.
- If necessary, store any leftover dressing separately.
Reheating Korean Cucumber Salad
- Oven: Not recommended as this dish is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid using a microwave; this salad loses its crunch when heated.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; serve cold for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Korean cucumber salad:
What is Korean Cucumber Salad?
Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish made with sliced cucumbers, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, often enjoyed cold.
Can I make Korean Cucumber Salad spicy?
Yes! You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more chili oil according to your taste.
How long does Korean Cucumber Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad lasts for up to 3 days.
What should I serve with Korean Cucumber Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal.
Final Thoughts
Korean cucumber salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Its fresh flavors and crunchy texture make it an appealing side dish. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding different vegetables. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Korean Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Korean Cucumber Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Perfectly crisp cucumbers are combined with a zesty Asian dressing, featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of chili oil for a sweet and spicy kick. This salad is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but it’s also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, side dish, or light snack. Ideal for barbecues or family dinners, this salad showcases the freshness of ingredients while allowing you to customize the spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy the crunchy texture and vibrant flavors that make this Korean Cucumber Salad a must-try for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 5 mini cucumbers (or 2–3 regular ones)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2–3 tsp chili oil
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 3 tbsp green onions (diced, optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, green onion, rice vinegar, and oils to create the dressing.
- Slice cucumbers thinly or use a spiralizer. Sprinkle salt over them and let rest for 8-12 minutes.
- Rinse cucumbers under cold water and lay them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Combine cucumbers with the dressing in a mixing bowl and toss well before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: n/a
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
