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Korean Cucumber Salad

A vibrant, refreshing salad that combines crunchy cucumbers, garlic, and a touch of spice, perfect as a side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium cucumbers English cucumbers work wonderfully too
  • 2 tablespoons salt For salting the cucumbers
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru Korean red pepper flakes for a gentle heat
  • 2 tablespoons sugar For sweetness
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar For acidity
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil For flavor
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds For garnish
  • to taste green onions Thinly sliced, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and slice the cucumbers thinly. A mandoline slicer works wonders for achieving uniform slices.
  2. In a bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. In another bowl, mix together the minced garlic, gochugaru, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. After the cucumbers have released water, rinse them to remove excess salt and drain well.
  5. Add the cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing and gently combine until well-coated.
  6. Top with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve immediately or let it marinate in the fridge.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.