Refreshing and Tangy Sea Grapes and Cucumber Salad
Refreshing and Tangy Sea Grapes and Cucumber Salad
Secret Recipe Revealed: How to Make a Non-Watery Sea Grapes and Cucumber Salad
I’ve made my favorite winter side dish, Sea Grapes and Cucumber Salad! In my home, I’m the only one who eats this, so I buy a small batch of sea grapes when winter comes and make this salad just for myself. Although I’m not usually a fan of overly sour flavors, I grew up eating this dish, so I sometimes enjoy it tossed with a sweet and tangy dressing. My children, in particular, dislike very sour food, so I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste. This time, I’ve experimented to solve a common problem: the salad often turns out too watery. I’ve discovered a fantastic method for making it perfectly crisp and free of excess liquid! It’s surprisingly simple, just a shift in perspective. Perhaps because I’ve always eaten it prepared a certain way, I never questioned it. This recipe enhances the natural flavors of the sea grapes and the freshness of the cucumbers, creating a beautifully balanced sweet and tangy taste without any sogginess. Enjoy this delightful winter side dish! Stay healthy today~♡
Main Ingredients- 1 pack Sea Grapes (approx. 100g)
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 1 tsp Coarse Salt (for salting cucumber)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- Pinch of Salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 1 tsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Green Onion (optional)
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- Pinch of Salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 1 tsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Green Onion (optional)
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice and salt the cucumber to draw out moisture. Wash the cucumber, trim the ends, and slice it diagonally about 0.5cm thick. Place the sliced cucumber in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of coarse salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse the salted cucumber lightly under cold water and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step ensures the cucumber stays crisp and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
Step 2
Prepare the fresh sea grapes by carefully cleaning them. Rinse the sea grapes thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove any sand, dirt, or debris. Pay special attention to cleaning the ends where mud might accumulate.
Step 3
Squeeze out as much water as possible from the cleaned sea grapes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can squeeze the water out by hand or use a cheesecloth or paper towels to ensure they are well-drained. This is crucial for a non-watery salad. Cut the sea grapes into pieces about 3-4cm long.
Step 4
In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared sea grapes and the drained cucumber. Add all the seasoning ingredients (vinegar, sugar, salt, mirin, gochugaru, minced green onion) and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Mix gently so as not to break the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt if needed, to suit your preference.
Step 5
Transfer the finished Sea Grapes and Cucumber Salad to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sesame seeds. This salad is delicious served immediately or chilled from the refrigerator. Enjoy this crisp and flavorful winter side dish!
