Refreshing Cucumber Salad Bibimbap
You MUST Make This Cucumber Salad Bibimbap!
This bibimbap features a vibrant and refreshing cucumber salad seasoned to perfection, piled generously over warm rice. It’s a delightful meal on its own, perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner.
Main Ingredients- 1.5 cucumbers (about 900g after trimming)
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt
- Warm cooked rice
- Sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
Cucumber Salad Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped scallions (green onions)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp brown rice vinegar
- 1-2 Tbsp allulose (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped scallions (green onions)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp brown rice vinegar
- 1-2 Tbsp allulose (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Then, use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel the skin off.
Step 2
Cut the peeled cucumbers in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds from the center. Removing the seeds prevents excess moisture and improves the texture.
Step 3
Slice the trimmed cucumbers thinly on the bias, about 0.5cm thick, creating half-moon shapes. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Mix well and let them sit for 20 minutes to salt. This salting process draws out excess water, ensuring a crisp texture.
Step 4
After 20 minutes, you’ll notice a lot of liquid has been released from the cucumbers. Transfer the salted cucumbers to a clean cheesecloth or paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for preventing a watery bibimbap and allowing the seasoning to adhere well.
Step 5
Add all the seasoning ingredients (minced garlic, chopped scallions, gochugaru, gochujang, brown rice vinegar, and allulose) to the well-squeezed cucumbers. Gently mix everything together with your hands until the cucumbers are evenly coated. This seasoned cucumber salad is delicious enough to be served as a standalone side dish! Taste and adjust the amount of allulose or vinegar according to your preference.
Step 6
Serve a generous portion of warm rice in a bowl. Top it with a hearty helping of the freshly seasoned cucumber salad. Finish with a drizzle of fragrant sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Your delicious cucumber salad bibimbap is ready! If you have chives on hand, you can finely chop and add them, but this bibimbap is perfect just as it is, so be sure to give it a try.
