Crisp Cucumber and Chili Pepper Salad with Doenjang
Crisp Cucumber and Chili Pepper Salad with Doenjang
Spicy Cucumber and Chili Pepper Salad Recipe with Doenjang
A refreshing and crunchy cucumber and chili pepper salad seasoned with savory doenjang (Korean soybean paste), perfect to pair with any meat dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish that adds a delightful contrast.
Ingredients- 4 Korean cucumber-chili peppers (O-i gochu) (choose firm, crisp ones)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Perilla oil (optional, can use more sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the delicious seasoning for our salad. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of doenjang, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, 1 Tbsp of perilla oil (if using), 1 Tbsp of gochugaru, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp of sugar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until you have a well-combined, flavorful paste. Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more sugar or the oils based on the saltiness of your doenjang for a perfectly balanced taste.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the star ingredient: the cucumber-chili peppers. Rinse the peppers thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the stems. Then, slice them into bite-sized pieces, about the width of your index finger. This size is perfect for easy eating and allows the seasoning to coat them evenly. Try not to slice them too thinly to maintain their satisfying crunch.
Step 3
Add the prepared cucumber-chili peppers to the bowl with the seasoning. For an extra burst of nutty aroma, lightly crush 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds by rubbing them between your palms or using a mortar and pestle before adding them to the bowl. Gently toss everything together using a spoon or your hands, ensuring that the seasoning coats all the pieces of pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the peppers mushy. This salad is delicious served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a short while for an even more refreshing experience.
