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Fresh Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe with Sesame Oil and Gochugaru

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A quick and refreshing Korean cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a flavorful dressing of toasted sesame oil, gochugaru, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Perfect for summer and easy to prepare in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 medium Kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey/maple syrup as a substitute)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss gently. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochugaru, sugar, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves.
  4. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic, stirring frequently.
  5. Drain and pat cucumbers dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
  6. Combine cucumbers, dressing, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds in a mixing bowl and toss until evenly coated. Adjust salt or gochugaru to taste.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, or serve immediately.

Notes

Salting cucumbers and draining excess water is key to keeping the salad crisp and not soggy. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best aroma and crunch. Adjust gochugaru to control heat level. The salad can be served immediately but tastes better after chilling for at least 10 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, sesame oil salad, gochugaru recipe, summer salad, quick cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/fresh-korean-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-sesame-oil-and-gochugaru-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/