Korean Cucumber Salad

Name: Korean Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 5 mini cucumbers (or 2-3 regular sizes, 4 cups); 1 tsp salt; 1.5 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp minced garlic; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 2-3 tsp chili oil (adjust more or less for spicy or mild); 3 tsp sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional); 3 tbsp green onions (diced, optional)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

June 20, 2025

Updated:

June 20, 2025

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Easy Korean cucumber salad with Asian dressing is a delicious cold side dish or vegetarian meal that shines at any gathering. This Korean Cucumber Salad offers a refreshing burst of flavor, making it perfect for barbecues, picnics, or simply as a delightful appetizer. Its versatility allows you to customize the spice level, catering to both mild and adventurous palates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
Fresh and Crunchy: The use of cucumbers provides a crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
Customizable Flavors: Adjust the spice level by modifying the chili oil for a dish that suits your taste preferences.
Healthy Option: With only 67 calories per serving, this salad is a light yet satisfying choice.
Versatile Side Dish: It complements various cuisines, including American, Chinese, and Korean.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Korean Cucumber Salad, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Spiralizer (optional)
Measuring spoons
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp knife: Essential for cutting cucumbers thinly for the best texture in the salad.
Mixing bowl: Helps combine all ingredients effectively for an even flavor distribution.
Spiralizer: If you want fun shapes in your salad, a spiralizer can create visually appealing cucumber spirals.

Ingredients

Easy Korean cucumber salad with Asian dressing is a delicious cold side dish or vegetarian dish. You can make it spicy or leave a bit sweet.

For the Salad

5 mini cucumbers (or 2-3 regular sizes, 4 cups)
1 tsp salt
1.5 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2-3 tsp chili oil (adjust more or less for spicy or mild)
3 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil

For Garnish

2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
3 tbsp green onions (diced, optional)

How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, and green onion. Add rice vinegar along with all oils. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers

To create interesting shapes, use a spiralizer; otherwise, slice thinly with a sharp knife. Sprinkle salt over cucumbers and let them sit for 8-12 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3: Rinse and Combine

After sitting, rinse the cucumbers under water to remove excess salt. Lay them on paper towels to absorb moisture. Transfer cucumbers into a mixing bowl and pour the rice vinegar marinade over them. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Serve topped with additional sesame seeds and diced green onions if desired.

Enjoy your refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad as an appetizer or side dish!

How to Serve Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean cucumber salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals. Its refreshing taste and crunchy texture make it a fantastic addition to any dining experience.

As a Side Dish

Perfect for barbecues: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, adding a refreshing contrast.
Accompanying rice dishes: Serve it alongside fried rice or bibimbap for a delightful balance.

In Tacos

Crunchy taco topping: Use the salad as a topping for tacos to enhance the flavors with its tangy crunch.

With Noodles

Noodle bowl enhancer: Add Korean cucumber salad to your noodle bowls for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

As a Snack

Quick and healthy snack: Enjoy it on its own for a light, refreshing snack that’s low in calories.

How to Perfect Korean Cucumber Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Korean cucumber salad, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers maintain their crunch and enhance the overall taste of the salad.
Adjust spice levels: Modify the chili oil according to your tolerance for heat; you can always start mild and add more.
Let it marinate: For deeper flavor, allow the cucumbers to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Add variety: Experiment with other vegetables like carrots or radishes for added color and texture in your salad.
Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for about 15 minutes before serving enhances its refreshing taste.
Top with sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top not only adds flavor but also enhances presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean cucumber salad pairs well with numerous side dishes. Here are some great options that will complement its flavors beautifully.

Kimchi: This classic fermented dish adds spice and tang, making it an ideal companion.
Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice dish provides heartiness that balances the lightness of cucumber salad.
Grilled Meat Skewers: Juicy skewers offer protein that works perfectly with the fresh crunch of the salad.
Seaweed Salad: The umami flavor of seaweed salad complements the crispness of cucumber nicely.
Spicy Tofu: Crispy, spicy tofu gives a satisfying protein option that matches well with this cold dish.
Rice Paper Rolls: These fresh rolls filled with veggies provide a fresh touch that pairs wonderfully with cucumber salad.
Roasted Vegetables: The earthiness of roasted vegetables contrasts nicely with the crispness of the cucumbers.
Spring Rolls: Light and tasty, spring rolls add another layer of freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean cucumber salad, it’s easy to make missteps that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Over-salting the cucumbers: Too much salt can draw out excess moisture, making your salad soggy. Use just enough salt to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
Neglecting to rinse after salting: Failing to rinse the cucumbers after salting can lead to a salty taste. Always rinse them thoroughly and pat dry before mixing with the dressing.
Using the wrong type of vinegar: Not all vinegars work well. Rice vinegar is preferred for authentic flavor in Korean cucumber salad. Avoid using strong vinegars like white or apple cider vinegar.
Skipping the marination time: Quick salads tend to lack depth in flavor. Allow your cucumbers to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Not adjusting spice levels: Everyone’s spice tolerance is different. Start with a small amount of chili oil and adjust according to your preference for heat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Korean cucumber salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent odors from mingling.

Freezing Korean Cucumber Salad

Not recommended: Freezing is not advisable as cucumbers tend to become mushy upon thawing, affecting texture and taste.

Reheating Korean Cucumber Salad

Microwave: Heat in short intervals if needed, but it’s best served cold.
Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat while stirring, but keep it cold for best flavor.
Oven: Not recommended as this dish is traditionally served cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Cucumber Salad?

Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish made with cucumbers tossed in a tangy Asian dressing. It can be made spicy or sweet based on preference.

How do I make Korean Cucumber Salad spicy?

To make your salad spicy, increase the amount of chili oil used in the recipe. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers for extra heat.

Can I customize my Korean Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like carrots or radishes for added crunch and flavor. Adjust sweetness or acidity according to your taste.

How long does Korean Cucumber Salad last?

The salad lasts about 2 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Final Thoughts

Korean cucumber salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that adds a refreshing touch to any meal. Its balance of flavors allows you to customize it easily according to your preferences. Whether you enjoy it spicy or sweet, this salad makes an excellent appetizer or side dish that everyone will love! Give it a try and discover how delicious simple ingredients can be when combined thoughtfully!