Spicy Crunchy Korean Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and spicy Korean cucumber salad that delivers a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and tang, ideal for summer and quick side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), adjust to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers thinly into about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss gently and let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochugaru, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until sugar is dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer cucumbers to a large mixing bowl, add sliced green onions, and pour the dressing over. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all slices.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and toss lightly to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. It can be served immediately if needed.
Notes
Salting cucumbers is essential to keep the salad crisp by drawing out excess water. Rinse and dry cucumbers well after salting to avoid excess saltiness. Adjust gochugaru to control heat level. Add garlic closer to serving time for a punchier flavor if prepping ahead. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.4
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, gochugaru salad, summer salad, crunchy cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, Korean side dish