Crispy Seasoned Cucumber Salad
Crispy Seasoned Cucumber Salad
Spicy and Tangy Cucumber Salad Recipe with Baek Jong-won’s Sauce
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and crispy seasoned cucumber salad! It’s a great way to rehydrate and a perfect side dish, especially when made with Baek Jong-won’s special sauce. Enjoy its invigorating sweet and sour kick!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 onion
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
Baek Jong-won’s Special Sauce (Tablespoon Measurement)- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the cucumbers by gently rubbing their surface with coarse salt. This helps clean them and enhances their crispiness. Then, use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline to peel the cucumbers. I like to leave about 10% of the skin on for a vibrant green color, but you can peel them completely if you prefer.
Step 2
It’s best to trim off the ends of the cucumber. The very tips can sometimes accumulate pesticides and often have a bitter taste. Removing them ensures a cleaner flavor profile without any unpleasant bitterness.
Step 3
Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise. You’ll notice the seed-filled core. This core can release a lot of water, making the salad soggy. To prevent this, I like to use a teaspoon to gently scrape out the seeds. This simple step helps maintain the cucumber’s crisp texture and prevents excess moisture.
Step 4
Cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. While many recipes call for slicing cucumbers thinly, I prefer a ‘diced’ cut, similar to Korean ‘kkakdugi’ (radish kimchi). This method offers a more satisfying chew and better texture.
Step 5
Now it’s time to lightly salt the cucumbers. While you can enjoy them fresh and crisp without salting, I prefer to salt them briefly to draw out some moisture and season them slightly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse salt over the cut cucumbers. Adding a little water (just enough to moisten) can speed up the salting process. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 6
Adding thinly sliced onions to your cucumber salad not only enhances the crunch but also elevates the flavor with a subtle sweetness. Prepare your onion by slicing it thinly, similar in thickness to your cucumber pieces, so they mix well.
Step 7
Let’s make the special sauce! In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well. Baek Jong-won often uses 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, but I’ve reduced the sugar to 1/2 tablespoon as I prefer less sweetness. Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. Mixing the sauce ingredients beforehand ensures they are well combined and prevents clumping, resulting in a more flavorful sauce. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
Step 8
While you were preparing the onions and sauce, the cucumbers should be perfectly salted. You can give them a quick rinse under cold water if they seem too salty, or use them as is. It’s crucial to taste a piece of cucumber before proceeding to check the saltiness. If it’s too salty, rinse it. If it’s just right, proceed. Drain the salted cucumbers thoroughly in a colander, pressing out as much excess water as possible. This step is vital to prevent a watery salad and allow the dressing to adhere properly.
Step 9
Add the sliced onions to the bowl with the drained cucumbers.
Step 10
Pour all the prepared sauce over the cucumbers and onions. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the cucumbers.
Step 11
Sprinkle generously with more sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma. Your delicious, crispy seasoned cucumber salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
