Crisp and Aromatic Cucumber and Chive Salad
Simple Homemade Side Dish: Cucumber and Chive Salad Recipe (Chive Dishes, Cucumber Dishes)
Enjoy this sweet and spicy chive salad, perfect for accompanying grilled meats! Today, we’re adding crisp cucumbers for an even more delightful texture and flavor. The addition of cucumber makes this dish refreshingly crunchy and an excellent side for rice.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch chives (approx. 100g)
- 1 medium cucumber
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp seasoned soy sauce or regular soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 1 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp seasoned soy sauce or regular soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim any wilted or yellow leaves from the fresh chives and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Gently shake off excess water, then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. This preparation ensures the seasoning distributes evenly and makes them easy to eat.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber well. It’s best to use it with the skin on for added nutrients and texture. You can peel it thinly with a vegetable peeler or a knife, then slice it lengthwise in half. Afterward, slice it diagonally about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to break apart, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the prepared chives and sliced cucumber. Now it’s time to make the delicious seasoning. First, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder for a spicy kick. Feel free to adjust this amount to your preference.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of seasoned soy sauce or regular soy sauce for a savory depth. Soy sauce can vary in saltiness depending on the brand, so tasting and adjusting is recommended.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the sweet and sour flavors. Sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the overall taste of the ingredients.
Step 6
Add 3 tablespoons of vinegar for a refreshing tang. Vinegar helps to maintain the cucumber’s crispness and enhance the chives’ aroma.
Step 7
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Sesame oil plays a crucial role in completing the dish.
Step 8
Once all the seasonings are in, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness. Now, gently mix everything together with your fingertips, as if massaging it, being careful not to mash the chives. Avoid mixing too vigorously to prevent the chives from becoming mushy.
Step 9
Gently toss the ingredients until the seasoning is evenly distributed over the chives and cucumber. Your crisp and aromatic Cucumber and Chive Salad is ready! It tastes best when served immediately after being freshly mixed. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
