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Quick Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe with Spicy Sesame Gochugaru Dressing

Quick Korean Cucumber Salad - featured image
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A fast, fresh, and flavorful Korean cucumber salad featuring a spicy sesame gochugaru dressing, perfect for quick meals and side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers (about 12 ounces / 340 grams), thinly sliced (Korean cucumbers preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 2 medium cucumbers. Slice them thinly—about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Using a mandoline makes this quick and keeps slices even.
  2. Place the cucumber slices in a mixing bowl and sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt over them. Toss gently to coat all slices. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Drain any liquid that has accumulated.
  3. While cucumbers rest, toast 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 teaspoons gochugaru, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk or shake vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is smooth.
  5. Return cucumbers to the bowl, pour the dressing over them, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice. Add 1 thinly sliced green onion if using, and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top.
  6. For best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving. It is also delicious fresh.

Notes

Salting cucumbers removes excess water to keep the salad crisp. Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Adjust gochugaru amount to control heat. Let salad chill for best flavor but can be served immediately. Substitute tamari for gluten-free option. Add a drizzle of honey or extra sugar to tame heat if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, gochugaru salad, spicy cucumber salad, sesame dressing, quick salad, easy Korean recipe, gluten-free salad, vegan salad

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/quick-korean-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-spicy-sesame-gochugaru-dressing-for-easy-refreshing-meals/