Crisp Onion and Cucumber Salad
Fresh and Crunchy Onion Cucumber Salad
Today’s side dish features refreshing cucumbers and onions. This instant onion and cucumber salad can be prepared right before serving by mixing pre-made seasoning sauce, ensuring a fresh and crisp texture. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch of this simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 1 onion
Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly and trim off the ends. Slice it into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Peel the onion and slice it into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the cucumber slices.
Step 2
Separate the sliced onion into individual layers. Soak them in cold water for about 5 minutes. This step helps to reduce the pungent smell of the onion and enhances its crispness. After soaking, drain the onions thoroughly in a colander.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 2 Tbsp plum extract, 2 Tbsp red pepper paste, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until there are no lumps to create a perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy sauce.
Step 4
Add the drained onions and sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the seasoning sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumber mushy.
Step 5
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of fragrant perilla oil and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently one more time to incorporate these final flavor enhancers. The aromatic perilla oil and nutty sesame seeds will elevate the salad’s taste and aroma.
Step 6
Your delicious and visually appealing onion and cucumber salad is ready! Transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy. It’s best served immediately, but you can also chill it in the refrigerator for a while to enjoy an even cooler and crunchier texture.
