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Fresh Korean Cucumber Salad with Spicy Sesame Dressing

Fresh Korean Cucumber Salad - featured image
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A crisp and refreshing cucumber salad with a lively, spicy sesame dressing that balances heat and tang, perfect for summer meals or as a crunchy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional garnish: thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the English cucumbers into rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Place the slices in a medium bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss gently to coat evenly and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. After 15 minutes, drain the liquid from the cucumbers and gently squeeze them with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes, and 1 finely minced garlic clove until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is smooth.
  4. Add the drained cucumbers back into the medium bowl. Pour the spicy sesame dressing over them and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice.
  5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and, if desired, thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro on top. Toss gently once more.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

To keep cucumbers crisp, salt and let them sit to draw out moisture, then squeeze excess water before dressing. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden for enhanced flavor. Adjust chili flakes to taste for desired spice level. Dressing can be made ahead and tossed with cucumbers just before serving to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, spicy sesame dressing, summer salad, easy cucumber salad, gochugaru, sesame oil, gluten-free, vegan

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/fresh-korean-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-spicy-sesame-dressing-for-summer/