Refreshing and Zesty Fresh Cucumber Salad with Yuzu
A Fragrant Fresh Cucumber Salad Enhanced with Sweet Yuzu Syrup
With the abundance of fresh cucumbers available, I decided to make a refreshing cucumber salad using some of the ones I had left after making pickled cucumbers. This salad offers a delightful crisp texture and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds.
Main Ingredients- 1 Cucumber
- A small bunch of Chives
- 1/2 Onion
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Ginger syrup (or 1 tsp minced fresh ginger)
- 1 Tbsp Yuzu syrup (or yuzu marmalade)
- 1/2 stalk Scallion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Ginger syrup (or 1 tsp minced fresh ginger)
- 1 Tbsp Yuzu syrup (or yuzu marmalade)
- 1/2 stalk Scallion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing one fresh cucumber and half an onion. Ensure they are washed thoroughly.
Step 2
Finely chop the scallion for the seasoning. Have your minced garlic, yuzu syrup, and ginger syrup ready. If you don’t have ginger syrup, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of finely minced fresh ginger.
Step 3
Wash the cucumber well under running water. Then, gently rub its surface with coarse salt. This helps remove any pesticide residue and creates a slightly rougher texture for better seasoning adherence. Rinse the cucumber thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry.
Step 4
Before cutting the cucumber, slice it lengthwise into two halves. This makes it easier to handle and ensures even cuts.
Step 5
Place each cucumber half cut-side up, and then slice each half lengthwise again. This will result in four long pieces for each cucumber.
Step 6
Cut the cucumber pieces into bite-sized cubes, approximately 3 cm (about 1.2 inches) in length. Slice the onion into thin strips lengthwise, similar in length to the cucumber pieces. Cut the chives into segments of about 3-4 cm. Having all ingredients prepped makes mixing much smoother.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, onion, and chives. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients: gochugaru, minced garlic, fish sauce, yuzu syrup, and ginger syrup. Gently toss everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats all the ingredients evenly. The fish sauce adds a wonderful umami depth to the salad.
Step 8
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a little more gochugaru at this stage. Adjust the heat to your liking.
Step 9
Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for garnish. The bright, citrusy notes from the yuzu syrup beautifully complement the crispness of the cucumber, creating a truly delightful salad. Enjoy it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a short while for an even more refreshing taste.
