Crisp and Refreshing 5-Minute Cucumber Salad
Crisp and Refreshing 5-Minute Cucumber Salad
Super Simple 5-Minute Cucumber Salad Recipe: Keep the Crunch!
Perfect for when you’re not feeling hungry! Introducing a super simple cucumber salad recipe that can be made in just 5 minutes. Its crisp texture and sweet-and-sour seasoning will spread throughout your mouth, making it an irresistible side dish.
Ingredients- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp yeondu (or anchovy sauce for soup)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly. Lightly peel the skin using a peeler – don’t peel it completely, or it might become mushy. Then, slice it lengthwise into about 0.5cm thick pieces. If slicing lengthwise is difficult, you can cut it into half-moons or oblique slices.
Step 2
Add 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes to the sliced cucumbers to build the foundational flavor. If you enjoy a spicier taste, feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce for a boost of umami. Soup soy sauce provides a deeper flavor than regular soy sauce, making it ideal for seasoned side dishes.
Step 4
Finally, sprinkle a good pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. It’s best to add sesame seeds just before mixing or at the very end, as they can clump together if added too early.
Step 5
Drizzle in 0.5 tablespoon of sesame oil for a fragrant finish. Using too much can overpower the fresh cucumber flavor, so the key is to use just the right amount.
Step 6
Add the secret ingredient, 0.5 tablespoon of yeondu, and gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Yeondu is a Korean seasoning made from fermented soybeans; you can achieve a similar umami flavor using anchovy sauce for soup. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cucumbers to remain crisp.
Step 7
Arrange the well-mixed cucumber salad in a nice bowl. It’s ready! This salad offers a delightful crisp texture and a refreshing taste that will stimulate your appetite, making it a top-notch side dish. It’s best enjoyed immediately.
