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Korean Cucumber Salad

Delicious Korean Cucumber Salad: Refreshing & Easy Recipe

This Korean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, quick side dish perfect for any meal or gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 80

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 3 medium Garden Cucumbers Seed before using to reduce water content.
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Use to draw moisture from cucumbers.
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 2 medium Scallions Can replace with diced shallots.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Tamari Soy Sauce Gluten-free option.
  • 2 tblsp Rice Vinegar Essential for dressing flavor.
  • 1 tblsp Honey Substitute with granulated sugar if desired.
  • 1 tblsp Toasted Sesame Oil Opt for toasted for best taste.
  • 1 clove Garlic Substitute with garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 tblsp Korean Gochugaru Chili Pepper Flakes Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes if needed.
For Garnish
  • 1 tblsp Toasted Sesame Seeds Toast seeds just before using for maximum flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves Use generously for best taste.

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small bowl
  • strainer
  • paper towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast the Sesame Seeds: In a dry frying pan, heat over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, swirling gently until the seeds turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Cucumbers: Cut the garden cucumbers in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and chop them into ¼-inch thick half-moon slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Mix in the Scallions: Thinly slice the scallions and add both the white and green parts to the bowl with cucumbers. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Season and Draw Out Moisture: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the cucumbers and scallions. Toss to combine and let sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Drain and Blot Excess Water: Strain out excess water and pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels.
  6. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine tamari soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and Korean Gochugaru chili flakes. Whisk until smooth.
  7. Combine and Garnish: Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers and scallions. Toss gently and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro leaves on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For optimal texture, serve your salad immediately after preparation, as it can lose crispness if stored too long.

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