Crisp, Spicy & Sweet! Cucumber Salad Recipe to Revive Your Appetite
The Best Side Dish: Spicy, Sour & Sweet Cucumber Salad Recipe Using Seasonal Cucumbers
With cucumber prices dropping a bit, I’ve been making cucumber side dishes frequently! Today, I made a refreshing cucumber salad with a delightful sweet and sour kick. Its crisp texture and flavorful seasoning will make you want to finish a whole bowl of rice!
Main Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1.5 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong – for sweetness & umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp rice vinegar (for sourness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 0.3 Tbsp minced garlic (for depth of flavor)
- 0.3 Tbsp salt (to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1.5 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong – for sweetness & umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp rice vinegar (for sourness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 0.3 Tbsp minced garlic (for depth of flavor)
- 0.3 Tbsp salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the key to a delicious cucumber salad: the seasoning! In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1.5 Tbsp plum extract, 1.5 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp sugar, 0.3 Tbsp minced garlic, and 0.3 Tbsp salt. Mix well with a spoon until all ingredients are smoothly combined without any clumps. Your flavorful seasoning is ready!
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the star ingredient, the cucumber. Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Then, using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin partially, alternating strips. This not only looks nice but also enhances the crisp texture. (You can also peel the entire skin if you prefer.) Next, slice the cucumber into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them too thinly might make them watery, so aim for a medium thickness.
Step 3
Place all the sliced cucumber into a large bowl. Pour all the prepared spicy and sweet seasoning over the cucumber. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning evenly coats the cucumber slices. Be careful not to mash the cucumber; handle it gently!
Step 4
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it’s too bland for your preference, add a tiny bit more vinegar, sugar, or salt. If it’s too salty, adding a little sugar or vinegar can help balance it out. Once the taste is just right, generously sprinkle a good amount of toasted sesame seeds over the top. Give it one final gentle toss to combine. Your delicious cucumber salad is now complete!
Step 5
Here’s a helpful tip: Since this cucumber salad is made by mixing directly without pre-salting the cucumbers, it retains a wonderfully fresh crispness. Therefore, some water may release from the cucumbers over time. This cucumber salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. It’s a perfect side dish for when you need a quick and tasty boost to your meal. Enjoy!