Korean Cucumber Salad

Name: Korean Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-487257H44M
Total time: 30 min
Yield: N/A
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 cups cucumber, sliced into thick rounds or 1/2 moons (English cucumber, Japanese, Armenian, or Persian- thin-skinned, seedless is preferred); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar (honey or maple); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 scallions, sliced thin; 1-2 teaspoons Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes (spicy but not super hot, start with less and add more to taste); toasted sesame seeds; fresh cilantro for garnish

By Adeline

Published on July 15, 2025

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This Korean cucumber salad recipe is truly a revelation. It transforms simple cucumbers into something incredibly refreshing and vibrant, with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just a hint of spicy kick. I just adore how the crisp slices soak up all the delicious dressing, making every bite a burst of flavor.

I often whip up this quick salad for weeknight dinners; it’s a fantastic, light side that everyone loves. It brings a bright, cool contrast to richer main dishes, and honestly, it disappears fast whenever I serve it. My family always asks for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I even begin with my love for this Korean cucumber salad recipe? First off, it’s lightning fast. You can whip it up in minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Moreover, the flavors are just so bright and clean; it really wakes up the palate. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser too. Friends always ask for the recipe! Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh vegetables. It’s definitely a recipe I turn to again and again for its delicious simplicity.

Korean Cucumber Salad Ingredients

The beauty of this Korean cucumber salad really shines through its simple, yet mighty ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. It’s truly magic how these humble items come together!

Cucumber: This is our star, of course! I prefer thin-skinned varieties like English or Persian cucumbers so you don’t have to peel them. Their crisp texture is key.
Salt: Just a pinch helps draw out extra water, making our cucumbers extra crunchy.
Soy Sauce: It brings that essential umami depth to the dressing.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a lovely, bright tang that cuts through the richness.
Sugar (Honey or Maple): A touch of sweetness balances the flavors beautifully.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Oh, this is the secret weapon! It adds a warm, nutty aroma and flavor.
Scallions: Fresh and mild, they provide a gentle oniony bite.
Gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes): This provides the signature Korean red color and a lovely, nuanced heat. You can adjust it to your spice preference!
Toasted Sesame Seeds: For a pretty garnish and a bit more nutty crunch.
Fresh Cilantro: This adds a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor at the end.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or want to mix things up a bit! This Korean cucumber salad is quite forgiving. Here are some smart swaps and additions:

Cucumbers: Any thin-skinned cucumber works. If you only have regular cucumbers, just peel them and scoop out the seeds first.
Sweetener: Brown sugar or agave nectar can step in for sugar.
Spice: If you don’t have gochugaru, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes will work, but it won’t have the same authentic flavor.
Flavor Boosters: A minced garlic clove adds a lovely pungent kick. A teaspoon of fish sauce can also amp up the savory notes (just reduce soy sauce slightly).
Extra Veggies: Thinly sliced carrots or red onions can add more color and crunch.

Remember, the exact quantities are all listed in the printable recipe card below!

How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad

Making this vibrant Korean cucumber salad is super simple. I promise, even on your busiest days, you can whip this up with ease. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time. We will get that perfect texture and taste, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special!

Preparing Your Cucumbers for the Best Korean Cucumber Salad

First, grab your beautiful cucumbers. Slice them into nice thick rounds or even half-moons. Now, here’s a little trick I learned: toss those cucumber pieces with just one teaspoon of salt. Pop them into a colander. Let them sit over a plate for about 30 minutes. This step draws out extra water; it makes your salad less watery. Plus, it gives the cucumbers an amazing, crisp texture. If you’re really short on time, you can skip this step. The salad will still taste good, just slightly less crisp.

Crafting the Flavorful Dressing for Your Korean Cucumber Salad

While your cucumbers are chilling, let’s make that incredible dressing! Get a medium-sized bowl ready. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and your choice of sugar. I often use honey for a lovely sweetness. Next, drizzle in the toasted sesame oil. Add those thinly sliced scallions. Finally, stir in the Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon if you prefer mild. Add more for a lovely mild kick. Give it all a good whisk until everything is well combined. This dressing truly makes our Korean cucumber salad pop!

Combining and Serving Your Delicious Korean Cucumber Salad

Now, let’s bring it all together! Lightly rinse your salted cucumber slices. Then, use a clean kitchen towel. Blot them well to dry them thoroughly. This is crucial for the dressing to stick. Add the dried cucumber slices directly into your bowl of prepared dressing. Gently mix everything together. Make sure every cucumber piece gets coated. Serve your amazing Korean cucumber salad sprinkled generously with toasted sesame seeds. A final flourish of fresh cilantro adds brightness. Enjoy this refreshing Korean side dish!

How to Store Korean Cucumber Salad

Once you’ve made your delicious Korean cucumber salad, you might wonder about storing it. I always recommend eating it fresh; that’s when it’s at its crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored. Place the salad in an airtight container. Pop it right into the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 2-3 days. The cucumbers might lose a little crunch over time. But the flavors will still be wonderful. Give it a quick stir before serving leftovers.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip salting: It truly gives the best texture.
Blot thoroughly: Excess water dilutes the dressing.
Taste the dressing: Adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
Use fresh ingredients: Crisp cucumbers make all the difference.
Chill before serving: A cold salad is always more refreshing.
Garnish generously: Sesame seeds and cilantro add appeal.
Experiment with additions: Try garlic or carrots for variety.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Colander: Perfect for easily salting and rinsing cucumbers.
Large Bowl: Essential for whisking the dressing and mixing the ingredients.
Whisk: Makes combining the dressing ingredients quick and smooth.
Sharp Knife: For slicing those beautiful cucumbers evenly.
Cutting Board: Always use one to protect your countertops.
Kitchen Towel: Great for blotting the cucumbers dry and ensuring crispy results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad alongside grilled meats like bulgogi or chicken.
It pairs wonderfully with rice and stir-fried noodles.
Enjoy it as a light and refreshing appetizer by itself.
Present it in a pretty shallow bowl for a vibrant display.
A chilled glass of green tea or water makes a perfect drink pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Korean Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this delicious Korean cucumber salad a few hours in advance. It’s best when it’s fresh. However, if you let it sit longer, the cucumbers might soften a bit. For optimal crispness, add the dressing just before serving.

What type of cucumber is best for this Korean Cucumber Salad?

I highly recommend thin-skinned, seedless varieties for your Korean cucumber salad. English, Japanese, Armenian, or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully. They give the best texture. You won’t even need to peel or deseed them!

How can I adjust the spice level of my Korean Cucumber Salad?

Adjusting the spice in your Korean cucumber salad is super easy! The Gochugaru flakes provide the heat. If you prefer it milder, start with just one teaspoon. For more kick, slowly add another teaspoon until it’s perfect for your taste buds.

Is this Korean Cucumber Salad suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This Korean cucumber salad makes a fantastic meal prep component. Prepare the dressing and store it separately. Prepare your cucumbers, too. Then combine them right before you plan to eat. This keeps everything perfectly fresh and crisp.

Conclusion

And there you have it: your very own delightful Korean cucumber salad! This recipe truly is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. I hope you feel the same joy I do every time I whip up this vibrant side dish. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little moment of kitchen magic. Plus, it’s a fantastic staple for any home cook. It promises to add a burst of freshness to any meal. So go ahead, share this crisp, flavorful creation with your loved ones. Enjoy every refreshing bite!