Korean Cucumber Salad

Name: Korean Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486663H40M5S
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 5 mini cucumbers (or 2-3 regular cucumbers, about 4 cups); 1 tsp salt; 1.5 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp minced garlic; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 2-3 tsp chili oil (adjust for spice preference); 3 tsp sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil; Optional: sesame seeds and diced green onions for garnish

Published: July 6, 2025

by Nora

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Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing and versatile dish, perfect for any occasion. This cold side dish features a delightful combination of crunchy cucumbers and a tangy Asian dressing that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you want it spicy or mildly sweet, this salad is sure to impress your guests at gatherings, barbecues, or even as a light appetizer at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
Flavorful Experience: The blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic creates a unique taste that enhances the fresh cucumbers.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili oil according to your spice preference – mild for the faint-hearted or hot for those who love a kick!
Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with nutrients, this salad is great for those looking for a healthy side dish.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or brunch, this Korean cucumber salad complements various dishes beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Korean cucumber salad, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline the process and ensures you get the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Spiralizer (optional)
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing cucumbers easy and ensures uniform pieces for better presentation.
Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Spiralizer: If you want fun shapes for your cucumbers, a spiralizer adds an exciting twist to your dish.

Ingredients

Easy Korean cucumber salad with Asian dressing is a delicious cold side dish or vegetarian dish. You can make it spicy or leave it a bit sweet.

Fresh Ingredients

5 mini cucumbers (or 2-3 regular sizes, 4 cups)
1 tsp salt

Dressing Ingredients

1.5 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2-3 tsp chili oil (adjust more or less for spicy or mild)
3 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil

Optional Garnishes

2 tsp sesame seeds
3 tbsp green onions (diced)

How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and green onion. Add rice vinegar and all of the oil. Mix together until well combined.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers

To create fun spirals, use a spiralizer; alternatively, thinly slice using a sharp knife. Salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 8-12 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3: Rinse and Combine

Rinse the salted cucumbers under water. Lay them on paper towels to absorb some excess water. Once dried, place them in a mixing bowl. Pour the rice vinegar marinade over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 4: Serve Your Salad

Top with additional sesame seeds and diced green onions if desired. Serve chilled as an accompaniment to various meals or enjoy it on its own!

Enjoy this delicious Korean cucumber salad as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean cucumber salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals. Here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing side.

As a Side Dish

Pair with grilled meats for a refreshing contrast to savory flavors.
Serve alongside rice dishes to add a crunchy texture.

In Tacos

Use as a topping in tacos for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
It brings a zesty freshness that balances spicy ingredients.

With Noodles

Toss into cold noodle salads for added crunch and flavor.
Works well with both soba and rice noodles, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

As a Snack

Enjoy as a light snack on its own, perfect for hot days.
Its crispness makes it an ideal choice for munching between meals.

How to Perfect Korean Cucumber Salad

To ensure your Korean cucumber salad is consistently delicious, follow these helpful tips.

Choose fresh cucumbers: Select firm, bright cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and chili oil based on your taste preferences.
Let it marinate: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
Experiment with toppings: Add chopped nuts or fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra touch.
Use different vinegars: Try using apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you want a different tang.
Serve chilled: For the best experience, keep the salad in the fridge before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean cucumber salad pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

Kimchi: This classic fermented side adds spice and depth to your meal.
Japchae: Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables, offering a delightful contrast.
Bulgogi: Marinated beef that’s grilled or stir-fried, providing rich flavor alongside the salad.
Rice: Simple steamed rice complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Pickled Radish: A tangy side that enhances the overall taste experience of your meal.
Tofu Stir-Fry: A protein-rich option that pairs well with the crispness of the salad.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli adds color and nutrition to your plate.
Sesame Green Beans: Crunchy green beans tossed in sesame oil make for a tasty addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Korean cucumber salad is simple, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

Not salting the cucumbers: Failing to salt cucumbers before mixing can lead to watery salad. Always salt and let them rest to draw out excess moisture.
Skipping the marinade time: Rushing through the marinating process results in bland flavors. Allow the cucumbers to soak in the dressing for at least 10 minutes for maximum taste.
Using old cucumbers: Old cucumbers may be bitter and less crunchy. Choose fresh, firm mini cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the dish. Start with less, then adjust according to your taste preference.
Forgetting optional ingredients: Missing out on sesame seeds or green onions can lessen flavor complexity. These toppings add essential crunch and taste, so consider including them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate if possible, to maintain texture.

Freezing Korean Cucumber Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of cucumbers.
If you must freeze, do so without dressing; consume within a month.

Reheating Korean Cucumber Salad

Oven: Not recommended for this salad as it’s best served cold.
Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will make cucumbers soggy.
Stovetop: Not applicable; serve chilled straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Korean cucumber salad:

What is Korean Cucumber Salad?

Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish made with cucumbers, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It’s often enjoyed with meals or as a light snack.

How can I make my Korean Cucumber Salad spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of chili oil in your recipe. You can also include sliced fresh chili peppers or red pepper flakes for extra spice.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers! Just slice them thinly and adjust the quantity accordingly to match 4 cups.

How long does Korean Cucumber Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s best eaten fresh for optimal crunchiness.

Final Thoughts

Korean cucumber salad is a delightful and versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Its refreshing taste makes it perfect for summer gatherings or as a side at any dinner table. Feel free to customize it by adding more spices or vegetables according to your preference!

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