Sweet and Tangy Summer Delight: Korean Melon and Cucumber Salad
Easy Summer Side Dish: Refreshing Salad Made with Seasonal Melon and Cucumber
Introducing a vibrant Korean Melon and Cucumber Salad that will awaken your taste buds with its sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. This dish is perfect as a simple summer side, requiring no cooking at all! The delightful combination of sweet melon and crisp cucumber makes it a wonderful alternative to traditional salads.
Main Ingredients- 1 Korean Melon
- 1 Cucumber
Seasoning- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Apple Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Double-Strength Vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp Korean Melon Juice (pressed from seeds and pulp)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar
Garnish (Optional)- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Apple Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Double-Strength Vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp Korean Melon Juice (pressed from seeds and pulp)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar
Garnish (Optional)- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your fresh Korean melon and cucumber. Give them a thorough wash.
Step 2
Wash the Korean melon clean, cut it in half lengthwise, and then use a spoon to gently scrape out the seeds and the spongy white part (the placenta) from the center. Place this scraped-out portion into a sieve set over a bowl. Press down with the back of the spoon to extract as much juice as possible. This juice will be used in the dressing. You can peel the melon thinly or leave the skin on, then slice it thinly, about 0.3 to 0.5 cm thick. Slicing too thickly might affect how well it absorbs the dressing.
Step 3
Wash the cucumber well. Slice it into similar thin pieces as the melon, about 0.3 to 0.5 cm thick. Then, cut the slices diagonally into bite-sized pieces for a better texture and presentation.
Step 4
Combine the sliced Korean melon and cucumber in a large mixing bowl. Doesn’t the vibrant color of these fresh ingredients look appealing?
Step 5
Add the prepared Korean melon juice (about 1.5 Tbsp) to the bowl. The natural sweetness and aroma from the melon will enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
Step 6
Now, add the rest of the seasoning ingredients: 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp apple vinegar, 1 Tbsp double-strength vinegar, 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru, and 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar. Using double-strength vinegar provides a more robust tanginess.
Step 7
It’s important to adjust the seasoning amounts based on the quantity of your ingredients and your personal taste preferences. Taste as you go and add more seasoning if needed. Achieving a good balance of sweet, sour, and salty is key to a delicious salad.
Step 8
Gently toss the ingredients and seasoning together with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to mash the vegetables; aim to coat everything evenly. This is the first stage of mixing.
Step 9
Finally, add 0.5 Tbsp of sesame oil and 0.5 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Toss lightly one more time to finish. The sesame oil and seeds add a wonderful nutty aroma and depth of flavor. Your delicious Korean Melon and Cucumber Salad is now ready! It’s great to enjoy immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing treat.
