Crispy and Sweet-Tangy Cucumber and Chive Salad
The Ultimate Side Dish to Awaken Your Appetite! Sweet and Tangy Cucumber-Chive Salad & Fresh Kimchi Recipe
Introducing a delightful Cucumber and Chive Salad, featuring the crispness of cucumbers and the health benefits of chives, perfectly balanced with a refreshing sweet and tangy flavor. This vibrant side dish is a guaranteed appetite-booster on days when you’re not feeling very hungry. It’s simple to make yet offers a sophisticated taste that will enrich your dining table. (Measurements are based on a standard Korean rice spoon.)
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 30g chives
- 15g green onion (scallion)
- 42g onion
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Seasoning Ingredients- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1.7 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp plum extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1.7 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp plum extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
It’s important to wash the cucumbers thoroughly. To remove any hidden impurities from their bumpy surface, sprinkle coarse salt all over the cucumber and rub it gently with your hands. Then, rinse it under running water and pat it dry.
Step 2
Trim off the very ends of the cucumber. Slice it into thin, round pieces, about 2 to 3mm thick. Slicing them thinly allows the seasoning to penetrate beautifully, enhancing the flavor.
Step 3
Trim any yellow or unsightly parts from the washed chives and cut them into approximately 4cm lengths. Thinly slice the onion into matchsticks for added crunch.
Step 4
Finely chop the green onion. Have your 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic ready; this will make the mixing process smoother.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 1.7 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 0.5 tablespoon of plum extract, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 0.5 tablespoon of gochujang.
Step 6
Using a spoon, mix all the seasoning ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Taste the seasoning and adjust if you prefer it tangier or sweeter by adding more vinegar or sugar to suit your palate. Create your perfect, personalized dressing!
Step 7
Add the sliced cucumber and julienned onion to the bowl with the seasoning. Gently toss with a spoon, ensuring the dressing coats all the pieces evenly. Be careful not to break the cucumber slices as you mix.
Step 8
Now, add the cut chives, chopped green onion, and minced garlic. Gently toss again with a spoon until all the ingredients are well integrated with the seasoning.
Step 9
Taste the salad and if it feels a little bland, add a tiny pinch of salt and mix gently. It’s best to add salt gradually and taste as you go. Mix once more lightly.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the finished Cucumber and Chive Salad. Your delicious, sweet-and-tangy Gochujang Cucumber-Chive Kimchi is ready! Its crisp texture and rich flavor will surely captivate your taste buds.
