Spicy Gochujang Cucumber Salad
10-Minute Gochujang Cucumber Salad Recipe | Quick & Easy Korean Side Dish for Summer
Feeling sluggish during this season? Brighten your day with a refreshing, tangy cucumber salad! This Gochujang Cucumber Salad is a perfect homemade side dish, bursting with a savory and slightly sweet flavor that’s incredibly addictive. It’s a quick and easy recipe, ideal for a delicious summer treat!
Main Ingredients- 5 cucumbers
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Use a peeler or a paring knife to gently scrape off any rough skin or tiny spines; this will improve the texture.
Step 2
After washing, rinse the cucumbers again under running water and pat them dry.
Step 3
Slice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick, either diagonally or into half-moons. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle a pinch of salt over them, and let them sit for just 2 minutes to lightly pickle. Don’t over-salt or let them sit too long, or they might become mushy. Discard the water that is released from the cucumbers.
Step 4
Drain the lightly pickled cucumbers in a colander and let them sit for a moment to drip off any excess moisture.
Step 5
Transfer the drained cucumbers back into the bowl. Add the prepared seasoning ingredients: 2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1/2 Tbsp chopped green onion. (You can add 1/2 tsp of sugar for a touch more sweetness).
Step 6
Gently mix the cucumbers with the seasonings using your hands until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the cucumbers; toss them gently. Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds and give it a light toss. Your delicious Spicy Gochujang Cucumber Salad is ready!
Step 7
Serve this vibrant salad over a bowl of freshly cooked rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. The delightful balance of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, combined with the crisp cucumber, makes it an absolute ‘rice thief’! It’s the perfect choice when you need a quick side dish or are craving something refreshing.
