Description
Korean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light dish featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy Asian dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, especially in the summer, with a burst of flavor from rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 mini cucumbers (or 2-3 regular cucumbers)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2-3 tsp chili oil (adjust based on spice preference)
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 3 tbsp green onions (diced, optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers thinly. If you prefer, spiralize them for a fun presentation.
- Sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit for 8-12 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Rinse the cucumbers under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and green onions. Stir well.
- Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil to the bowl and mix to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili oil or add Korean chili flakes.
- If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the chili oil.
- The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 67 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1252 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg