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Crispy Korean-Style Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy 5-Minute Gochugaru Salad

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A crunchy, spicy Korean-style cucumber salad featuring fresh cucumbers tossed in a fiery gochugaru dressing, delivering a satisfying crisp texture and bold flavor in under 5 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, for salting cucumbers

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers in a medium bowl and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt over them. Toss gently to coat evenly and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Drain the cucumbers by pouring off the liquid and gently squeezing with hands or pressing with a clean kitchen towel to remove remaining water.
  4. In a small bowl or the same mixing bowl, whisk together 1 to 1.5 tablespoons gochugaru, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar or honey, and minced garlic if using until sugar dissolves.
  5. Add the drained cucumbers back into the bowl with the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice.
  6. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
  7. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.

Notes

Use fresh, firm English cucumbers for best texture. Salting cucumbers for 10 minutes draws out moisture to prevent sogginess. Toast sesame seeds lightly for enhanced nuttiness. Adjust gochugaru amount to control heat. Prepare up to 1 hour ahead and toss before serving. Store in airtight container up to 2 days in refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, Korean salad, gochugaru, spicy cucumber salad, quick salad, easy side dish, Korean chili flakes, sesame seeds

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-korean-style-spicy-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-gochugaru-salad/