Crisp & Tangy Cucumber Salad: The Golden Recipe
Simple & Delicious Seasoning for Cucumber Salad
Here’s a golden recipe for a refreshing cucumber salad that will awaken your appetite, perfect for those days when you don’t feel like eating much. It’s incredibly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have, making it a fantastic side dish for any meal. Let me guide you step-by-step!
Main Ingredients
- 2 Korean cucumbers (you can use just one if they are large)
- 1/4 onion
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and spice)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for final aroma boost!)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for color and spice)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for final aroma boost!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the main ingredients for our cucumber salad. I’m using two Korean cucumbers, but feel free to use just one if they are particularly large. Finely slice 1/4 of an onion. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can also slice one Cheongyang chili pepper.
Step 2
For the Cheongyang chili pepper, remove the seeds and then thinly slice it into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick. Having these prepped makes mixing easier later on.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to create the flavorful seasoning that will make this cucumber salad shine. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). This ingredient is key for both the vibrant color and the pleasant spicy note.
Step 4
Next, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to bring in a touch of sweetness. You can adjust this amount based on your preference.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar for that essential tangy flavor. If you prefer a more pronounced sourness, feel free to add a little extra vinegar at this stage.
Step 6
To add a depth of flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Garlic’s aroma helps to cut through any potential gaminess and enhances the overall umami.
Step 7
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for complexity and color. Gently mix all the prepared seasoning ingredients together with a spoon until well combined.
Step 8
The seasoning is now ready! This blend alone will create a delicious cucumber salad. Let’s move on to preparing the cucumbers.
Step 9
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, trim off the ends, and then slice them diagonally about 0.5 cm thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water and crisp them up.
Step 10
After 10 minutes, rinse the salted cucumbers under cold running water to remove the saltiness. Be careful not to rinse for too long, or the salad might become too bland.
Step 11
Drain the rinsed cucumbers well in a colander. You can gently squeeze out some excess water with your hands, but avoid pressing too hard, as this can make the cucumbers mushy.
Step 12
Add the thinly sliced onion to the drained cucumbers. Pour all the prepared seasoning mixture over the vegetables. The onion’s crispness and sweetness will complement the cucumbers beautifully.
Step 13
Finally, add the sliced Cheongyang chili pepper (if using). Gently toss everything together to ensure the seasoning coats the cucumbers and onions evenly. Using your hands to mix can help the flavors meld better.
Step 14
Mix the cucumber salad thoroughly. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cucumbers; the goal is to coat them evenly with the dressing. Mix until the seasoning adheres well to the vegetables.
Step 15
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for that final touch of aroma and flavor. The nutty scent of sesame oil will elevate the taste of your cucumber salad.
Step 16
Give it one last gentle mix after adding the sesame oil, then sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Your crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet cucumber salad is ready! This recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful, so be sure to give it a try.
