Crispy Cucumber Pepper with Soybean Paste Salad
Crispy Cucumber Pepper with Soybean Paste Salad
Simple & Delicious Cucumber Pepper Salad with Doenjang: A Perfect Side Dish!
Grocery shopping can be quite intimidating these days with soaring vegetable prices! But don’t worry! Even with the rising costs, you can whip up a delicious side dish using crisp cucumber peppers, also known as ‘Agak Gochu’. This vibrant and crunchy pepper salad, seasoned with savory soybean paste (Doenjang), is so addictive it will have you finishing your rice in no time! It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect even for beginner cooks!
Main Ingredients- 5 Agak Peppers (or Cucumber Peppers)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Homemade Doenjang (Soybean Paste) – Adjust amount based on the saltiness of your Doenjang
- 1/2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish and fragrance)
- 1/3 Tbsp Minced Garlic (a subtle garlic flavor is pleasant)
- 1 Tbsp Homemade Doenjang (Soybean Paste) – Adjust amount based on the saltiness of your Doenjang
- 1/2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish and fragrance)
- 1/3 Tbsp Minced Garlic (a subtle garlic flavor is pleasant)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the delicious Doenjang dressing. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of homemade Doenjang, 1/2 Tbsp of fragrant perilla oil, 1/2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds, and 1/3 Tbsp of minced garlic. Since the saltiness and flavor of Doenjang can vary greatly between households, we recommend tasting and adjusting the amount of Doenjang to your preference. Mix all the seasoning ingredients thoroughly until well combined and smooth, creating a flavorful Doenjang sauce.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to prepare the star ingredient: the Agak peppers. Wash the 5 Agak peppers thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can halve them lengthwise and then cut them into 2-3 sections, or simply chop them into bite-sized chunks. Remember to remove the stems. For a pleasant crunch, avoid cutting them too thinly.
Step 3
Add the prepared Agak peppers to the Doenjang sauce and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to break the peppers, but ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. The fresh, crisp pepper aroma and the savory Doenjang scent will mingle, making your mouth water in anticipation!
Step 4
And there you have it – a wonderfully simple and delicious Agak Pepper and Doenjang Salad! The delightful crunch of the peppers paired with the savory Doenjang dressing is truly exceptional. This dish is perfect as a side for rice or even as a substitute for ssamjang. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make!
