Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber and Onion Salad
Summer Delight! Easy Cucumber and Onion Salad Recipe (Secret Dressing Revealed)
Beat the summer heat with this incredibly refreshing cucumber and onion salad! Its delightful sweet, sour, and spicy flavors make it a perfect side dish. Lightly salting the cucumbers enhances their crispness, making this a quintessential summer treat. We’ll guide you step-by-step through creating the perfect dressing that harmonizes wonderfully with both cucumbers and the subtly sweet onions, resulting in a truly delicious dish. Perfect for a quick, no-cook meal!
Main Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
- 1/2 Onion
- A pinch of coarse salt (for washing cucumbers)
- 2/3 Tbsp Salt (for salting cucumbers)
Dressing- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers. Take a pinch of coarse salt and mix it with a little water. Gently rub the cucumber surfaces with this mixture. This process effectively removes any impurities and ensures the cucumbers are fresh.
Step 2
Trim the ends off the cucumbers. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. Aim for thin slices, as this allows the dressing to penetrate better and enhances the texture. You can also slice them into half-moons for a different presentation.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion. Slicing it thinly ensures it integrates beautifully with the cucumbers when mixed, contributing to a harmonious flavor profile.
Step 4
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and add 2/3 tablespoon of salt. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to salt. This step draws out excess moisture, crucial for achieving a crisp texture.
Step 5
After salting, rinse the cucumbers under cold running water 1-2 times to remove excess salt. Then, drain them thoroughly in a colander, pressing gently to squeeze out as much water as possible. Removing excess water is key to preventing a diluted flavor in the finished salad.
Step 6
Transfer both the drained cucumbers and the thinly sliced onions into a large mixing bowl, ready for the dressing.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the vibrant dressing. In a separate small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic. Stir these ingredients until well combined. Pour this flavorful dressing over the cucumbers and onions in the large bowl.
Step 8
Finally, add a generous amount of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and rich flavor. The sesame seeds will add another layer of deliciousness to your salad.
Step 9
Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Your crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced cucumber and onion salad is now ready! This dish is a summer hero because it requires no cooking and is best enjoyed fresh. It serves as an excellent side dish or a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats and other main courses. Enjoy this delightful explosion of spicy, sour, and sweet flavors!
