Crisp and Refreshing Super Simple Cucumber Salad
Easy Cucumber Kimchi Recipe Without Vinegar: How to Make a Simple Seasoned Cucumber Salad with Delicious Kimchi-like Flavor
Cucumbers are in their prime season during early summer! Their cool, crisp texture perfectly complements the season. While some people are not fans of cucumbers due to their distinct aroma, this cucumber salad recipe is so delicious that even friends who usually dislike cucumbers loved it! I made it, and we finished it within two days! Try making it yourself and enjoy its refreshing taste.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 2-3 stalks of green onions
Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or tuna extract, anchovy extract, red snow crab extract, to your preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp plum syrup (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or tuna extract, anchovy extract, red snow crab extract, to your preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp plum syrup (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 2 fresh cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly under running water. Use a peeler or the blade of a knife to gently scrape off the bumpy outer skin of the cucumbers. Slice them into approximately 0.5cm thick rounds. This thickness ensures a pleasant crisp texture without being too thin or too thick. (Tip: Rubbing them gently with coarse salt before washing can help clean them even better.)
Step 2
Cut the green onions into lengths of about 4cm. If green onions are unavailable, you can also use a small amount of chives or other leafy greens.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and green onions. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients: red pepper flakes, fish sauce (use your preferred type like tuna extract, anchovy extract, or red snow crab extract), plum syrup, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to mash the cucumbers.
Step 4
Toss gently to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the crispness of the cucumbers.
Step 5
Your crisp and refreshing cucumber salad, made without vinegar, is ready! It has a flavor profile closer to kimchi. This dish is a wonderful side for rice or a perfect light meal when you’re not feeling very hungry. Enjoy this delicious seasonal cucumber dish!
