Spicy & Crunchy! The Ultimate Quick Cucumber Salad Recipe
The Best Side Dish When You Have No Appetite! Revealing the Secret to a 5-Minute Crunchy and Spicy Cucumber Salad
When you love stuffed cucumbers but find the pickling and sauce-making process too tedious, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying side dish. Let’s make a refreshing, spicy, and crunchy cucumber salad. It’s an incredibly simple method that anyone can master.
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 1 handful of green onions (about 5-7 stalks)
- 1/2 medium onion
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (generous amount)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (generous amount)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 2 fresh cucumbers and a handful of green onions. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Rub them gently with coarse salt to remove any impurities, then rinse multiple times with cold water. This step helps to remove any bitterness and enhance the crispness of the cucumbers.
Step 2
Slice the prepared cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 0.7 cm thick, either on the diagonal or thinly round. Finely chop the green onions. Place the sliced cucumbers and green onions in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and a generous tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds.
Step 3
Now, let’s add the spicy flavor. Add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and mix it well with the cucumbers. You can adjust the amount of gochugaru according to your preference for spiciness.
Step 4
Add the fish sauce for a savory depth of flavor. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance sauce). If you find the fish sauce aroma too strong, you can substitute it with soy sauce.
Step 5
To add sweetness and aroma, thinly slice half of the onion and add it to the bowl. Add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. The sweetness and crisp texture of the onion will further enhance the overall flavor of the cucumber salad.
Step 6
All ingredients and seasonings are ready. Wash your hands thoroughly and gently mix the ingredients in the bowl with your hands. It’s important to mix gently so as not to mash the cucumbers. Ensure all the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cucumber salad.
Step 7
Voila! Your crunchy, spicy, and sweet cucumber salad is ready in no time. It’s delicious served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a while for an even more refreshing taste. This dish makes an excellent side for rice or even a delightful appetizer.
