Crispy, Spicy-Sweet, Super Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Best when you have no appetite! 5-Minute Spicy-Sweet & Sour Cucumber Salad
A quintessential Korean side dish, this cucumber salad is quick and easy to make using fresh cucumbers. Its crunchy texture combined with a spicy, sweet, and tangy dressing makes it a perfect rice companion. Try making it in a flash when your appetite is low!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium cucumber
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 1 pinch roasted salt (regular salt also works, adjust seasoning to taste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, generously for color and spice)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and umami)
- A little toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 1 pinch roasted salt (regular salt also works, adjust seasoning to taste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, generously for color and spice)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and umami)
- A little toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s wash the cucumber thoroughly. Rub the cucumber with a bit of coarse salt using your palm to remove impurities and smooth the surface. Rinse well under running water. Trim off both ends of the cucumber, then use a peeler to thinly peel the skin. You can leave the skin on, but peeling it results in a smoother texture.
Step 2
Now, let’s slice the peeled cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Slice it about 0.5 cm thick into half-moon shapes or diagonally. Slicing too thinly might reduce the satisfying chewiness, so aim for a moderate thickness. Place all the sliced cucumbers into a large bowl.
Step 3
Time to make the delicious dressing! Add the fish sauce, roasted salt, gochugaru, sesame oil, minced garlic, and plum extract to the bowl with the cucumbers. The listed measurements should suit most palates. If you prefer a bolder flavor, similar to kimchi seasoning, you can add a little more gochugaru or fish sauce.
Step 4
Once all the seasoning ingredients are in, it’s time to gently mix everything together with your hands! Toss the cucumbers to ensure the dressing coats them evenly. Be careful not to knead too vigorously, as this can release too much moisture from the cucumbers and make them mushy. Finally, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for extra nutty flavor. Your super easy and delicious cucumber salad is ready! It’s great to eat right away, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a while to enjoy it even colder and tastier.
