This crunchy Korean cucumber salad is a quick and refreshing dish! It combines fresh cucumbers with a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil that packs a flavorful punch.
Perfect as a side or a light snack, I love how easy it is to whip up. Just chop, mix, and enjoy—your taste buds will thank you for this zesty treat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers for their crunchy texture and mild flavor. If they’re not available, small regular cucumbers work just as well. I prefer English for their fewer seeds!
Rice Vinegar: This is key for the tangy taste. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute. Just note it may alter the flavor slightly, but it’ll still work!
Korean Red Chili Flakes (Gochugaru): These provide a lovely heat and depth. If spicy isn’t your thing, you can use less or swap it with mild paprika for color without the heat.
Sesame Oil: A must for that nutty flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can use vegetable oil, but you may miss out on that unique sesame taste!
How Do You Achieve the Best Crunch in Your Cucumber Salad?
The crunch is all about removing extra moisture from the cucumbers. When you sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt, they release water, making them crispier when mixed with the dressing. Be sure to rinse to get rid of excess salt; this balance is essential!
- Slice cucumbers thinly (about 1/8 inch) for the best texture.
- Let them sit with salt for about 20 minutes—this step is really important!
- Don’t forget to rinse and squeeze out excess water before dressing. This ensures each bite remains crisp and fresh!
Easy TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 English cucumbers (or 3 small regular cucumbers)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru) or crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 30 minutes to make—20 minutes for the cucumbers to sit with salt, and about 10 minutes to prepare and mix everything together. It’s quick and perfect for a light dish any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Cucumbers:
Start by washing the cucumbers. Then, slice them thinly into rounds—aim for about 1/8 inch thick for the best texture. The thinner they are, the more flavor they soak up!
2. Salt the Cucumbers:
Put the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Toss them well to coat each slice. Let this sit for about 20 minutes; this helps to draw out excess water from the cucumbers, keeping your salad crisp and fresh.
3. Rinse and Drain:
After 20 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to get rid of excess salt. Drain them well and gently squeeze any extra water out. Set your cucumbers aside.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and Korean chili flakes. Mix this until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined for a flavorful dressing.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the drained cucumbers to the dressing and toss everything together well. Make sure all the cucumber slices are coated evenly with the tasty dressing!
6. Add Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you decide to use them. These add both crunch and color to your dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve immediately, or for even better flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy this light, tangy, and slightly spicy Korean cucumber salad as a delicious side dish or snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Yes! While English cucumbers are recommended for their crunch and flavor, regular cucumbers also work well. If using regular cucumbers, be aware they may have more seeds and a slightly bitter skin. If desired, you can peel them before slicing.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy the salad fresh, as it may lose its crunch over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, allow it to chill for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just keep in mind that these options have a different flavor profile, so the salad may taste slightly different!
