Crisp, Refreshing and Sweet-Sour Cucumber Salad
Easy Recipe for a Flavorful Cucumber Salad
Whip up a simple, refreshing, and delightfully tangy cucumber salad that will stimulate your appetite. Its crisp texture and balanced sweet-sour dressing make it a perfect side dish for any meal or a great accompaniment to drinks!
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 1/4 onion
- 50g chives
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
Cucumber Brining Ingredients- 1 Tbsp sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt (for brining)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
Cucumber Brining Ingredients- 1 Tbsp sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt (for brining)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for tanginess)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Trim off the ends and slice them into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them not too thin will help maintain a pleasant crunch.
Step 2
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl. Add the brining ingredients: 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt. Mix them well. Letting them brine for about 20 minutes will draw out moisture and make the cucumbers even crisper.
Step 3
While the cucumbers are brining, prepare the other vegetables. Peel the onion and slice it thinly into strips. Wash the chives, pat them dry, and cut them into approximately 3-4 cm lengths.
Step 4
After 20 minutes, lightly rinse the brined cucumbers under cold water and squeeze out excess moisture. Properly draining the cucumbers is key to preventing the dressing from becoming watery. In a bowl, combine the drained cucumbers with the sliced onion, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of gochugaru. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the seasonings coat the ingredients well.
Step 5
Finally, add the chopped chives and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. To prevent the chives from becoming too soft or losing their fresh flavor, mix them in gently just until combined.
Step 6
There you have it – a delicious cucumber salad is ready! Enjoy this tangy, sweet, and crisp cucumber salad to brighten up your meal. It’s especially wonderful mixed with freshly cooked rice!
