Crisp and Delicious Cucumber and Chive Salad
Super Simple Recipe for Cucumber and Chive Salad
Chives and cucumbers are a fantastic combination! I made this cucumber and chive salad to serve with my kongguksu (cold soybean noodle soup). It’s a wonderfully refreshing and tangy side dish that’s incredibly easy to make.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch chives
- 1/3 cucumber
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the chives under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently shake off excess water, then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Cutting them to this length ensures the seasoning is evenly distributed and makes them easy to eat.
Step 2
Place the prepared chives in a large bowl. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Gently toss the chives to coat them evenly with the chili flakes. This step helps the color distribute evenly and prevents clumping later.
Step 3
Now, let’s add the ingredients for sweetness and flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of allulose sweetener for a healthy sweetness, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, an essential ingredient in Korean cooking. If you don’t have allulose, you can substitute it with regular sugar.
Step 4
Next, add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for a fragrant aroma, 1 teaspoon of vinegar for a pleasant tanginess, and 1 tablespoon of maesilcheong (plum extract) for a savory depth. If plum extract isn’t available, you can adjust the sweetness with sugar or corn syrup.
Step 5
Add all the prepared seasonings to the bowl with the chives and gently mix them together with your hands. Ensure the seasoning is well distributed. Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a nutty flavor and an attractive finish.
Step 6
Lastly, prepare the cucumber for a crisp texture and refreshing taste. Thinly slice or julienne the cucumber. Add it to the bowl with the seasoned chives and mix gently. Adding the cucumber at the end and mixing lightly helps prevent it from becoming watery and preserves its crunchy texture. This finished cucumber and chive salad is perfect to top on kongguksu or use as a vibrant ingredient in bibimbap!