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Flavorful Korean Cucumber Salad with Spicy Gochugaru Dressing

Korean cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Korean cucumber salad featuring crunchy cucumbers tossed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet gochugaru dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish with a punch of heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers. Slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place the slices in a large bowl.
  2. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of salt over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 to 2 tablespoons gochugaru, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 cloves minced garlic until smooth.
  4. After salting, gently squeeze the cucumbers to release excess water using a colander or paper towel.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers. Add thinly sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  6. Optional: Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Salt cucumbers properly to avoid sogginess and squeeze out excess water after salting. Adjust gochugaru amount to control spice level. Letting the salad rest before serving enhances flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for authentic flavor. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Optional additions include thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or toasted peanuts for extra texture and protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, gochugaru salad, spicy cucumber salad, easy Korean side dish, quick cucumber salad, vegan cucumber salad, gluten-free cucumber salad

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/flavorful-korean-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-spicy-gochugaru-dressing-guide/