Description
This Korean Cucumber Salad is a quick and refreshing side dish featuring thinly sliced or spiralized cucumbers tossed in a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet marinade made with garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. It’s a perfect appetizer or accompaniment to Korean meals, ready in just 15 minutes and serving 6 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumbers
- 5 mini cucumbers, or 2–3 regular cucumbers, spiralized or thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
Marinade
- 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
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and diced green onions. Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until the marinade is well blended and the sugar dissolves slightly.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Spiralize or thinly slice the cucumbers, then place them in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 8-12 minutes to draw out some excess moisture. After resting, rinse thoroughly with cold water and gently pat dry with a paper towel.
- Combine: Add the prepared cucumbers to a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the top, then gently toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer the seasoned cucumbers to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing crunch!
Notes
- Use mini cucumbers for a crunchier texture or regular cucumbers if preferred.
- Chili oil amount can be adjusted to control the spice level.
- Salting cucumbers helps remove excess water and keeps salad crisp.
- For best flavor, serve immediately but it can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Optional sesame seeds and green onions add extra flavor and garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
