Crisp and Refreshingly Tangy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Crisp and Refreshingly Tangy Cucumber Salad Recipe
The Perfect Side Dish for When You Crave Something Zesty! Simple Cucumber Salad Recipe
Spotted some fresh and affordable cucumbers at the market? Don’t miss out on this cucumber salad recipe! Its refreshingly tangy and sweet flavor is guaranteed to awaken your appetite, making it an instant favorite. It’s absolutely delicious when mixed with rice or served alongside doenjang (soybean paste) or gochujang (red chili paste). This is a fantastic banchan (side dish) that’s easy to make and enjoy over several days.
Main Ingredients- 1 Cucumber
- 1/4 Onion
Seasoning Ingredients- Brine (1 Tbsp Salt + 2 Tbsp Water)
- 0.5 – 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Plum Extract)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Scallion
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Brine (1 Tbsp Salt + 2 Tbsp Water)
- 0.5 – 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Plum Extract)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Scallion
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly. Then, cut it in half lengthwise. Next, slice it into half-moon shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. Avoid slicing too thinly, as this can make the texture mushy.
Step 2
Place the sliced cucumbers into the prepared brine (a mixture of 1 Tbsp salt and 2 Tbsp water). Let them sit for about 10 minutes to salt. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring a crisp texture.
Step 3
While the cucumbers are salting, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 0.5 to 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness), 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp maesil cheong, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1/2 Tbsp minced scallion. Mix everything well.
Step 4
Peel the 1/4 onion and slice it thinly into julienne strips. This will add a lovely complementary flavor and texture when mixed with the cucumbers.
Step 5
Add the julienned onion to the prepared seasoning mixture and toss lightly. Let it sit for a moment to allow the onion to absorb the flavors of the seasoning.
Step 6
After the cucumbers have salted for 10 minutes, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. It’s important to wash off the excess salt. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands, or drain them well in a colander.
Step 7
Add the drained cucumbers to the bowl with the seasoned onions. Gently toss and mix everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the seasoning. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can break down the cucumbers.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the top to finish. The nutty aroma of the sesame seeds will enhance the overall flavor of your cucumber salad. Your refreshing and tangy cucumber salad is ready! Enjoy your meal.
