Crispy Seasoned Cucumber Salad
Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy Cucumber Salad – A Perfect Appetizer!
Here’s a recipe for a refreshing cucumber salad that’s perfect for when you have a poor appetite. This addictive dish, with its delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, has a way of making even cucumber-haters fall in love with them! It’s incredibly crunchy and packed with umami. I’ll guide you through each step, making it easy for beginners to follow!
Cucumber Preparation & Salting
- 3 cucumbers
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/2 small onion, finely minced
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 small onion, finely minced
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick half-moons or diagonally. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, add 1 Tbsp of salt and 1 Tbsp of sugar, and gently toss to coat. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process wilts the cucumbers, draws out excess moisture, and helps them retain their crispiness. After 30 minutes, grab the cucumbers with both hands and squeeze out as much water as possible. Leaving too much water can make the salad watery and less flavorful.
Step 2
In the same bowl with the squeezed cucumbers, add the finely minced half onion and all the seasoning ingredients: 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the cucumbers evenly. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can break down the cucumber’s texture. A gentle toss is key!
Step 3
Finally, sprinkle generously with 2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds and give it one last gentle mix. Your delicious, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy seasoned cucumber salad is ready! It’s great to eat immediately, but for an even more refreshing taste, chill it in the refrigerator for a while before serving. This cucumber salad is a fantastic side dish for any meal and also makes a great snack. Enjoy your delicious homemade cucumber salad!
