Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe
Summer Delight! The Perfect Recipe for a Crisp and Flavorful Cucumber Salad
Got a cucumber lying around? Turn it into a rice-stealing side dish in no time! This refreshing and crunchy cucumber salad is the ultimate craving on a hot summer day when your appetite is low. Let’s make this simple yet delicious staple side dish right now!
Main Ingredients- 1 fresh cucumber (approx. 200-250g)
- 1/2 onion (small size)
- 1 handful of chives (approx. 20g)
Seasoning for Cucumber Salad- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (or fish sauce)
- 1/4 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp whole sesame seeds (for nuttiness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for fragrant aroma)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (or fish sauce)
- 1/4 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp whole sesame seeds (for nuttiness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for fragrant aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly, pat it dry, and slice it into bite-sized pieces or your desired shape. I’ve sliced mine thinly on the diagonal (eoseot-seolgi) to maintain its crispiness. Thinly slice the onion into strips. Place the sliced cucumber and onion in a large bowl.
Step 2
Now it’s time to add all the seasoning ingredients that will determine the flavor of your cucumber salad. Add the gochugaru, soy sauce (or fish sauce), salt, sugar, and minced garlic according to the measurements and mix them together. Using fish sauce instead of soy sauce can add a richer umami flavor.
Step 3
After adding the seasonings to the cucumber and onion in the bowl, toss in the chives, which have been washed and cut into 3-4cm lengths. Finally, drizzle in the whole sesame seeds and sesame oil for a nutty and fragrant finish.
Step 4
Gently mix everything together with your hands until the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can release excess water from the cucumbers – a light touch is key! This crispy and delicious cucumber salad is ready in just 5 minutes. It’s perfect as a side dish with rice or even as a snack!
