Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber and Chive Salad: A Perfect Side Dish Recipe
A Delicious Side Dish Made with Fresh Cucumbers and Aromatic Chives
The best for those days when you lack appetite! Introducing a recipe for cucumber and chive salad, a versatile side dish that’s so refreshingly tangy, sweet, and spicy, it’ll make you finish a bowl of rice in no time. Simple yet guaranteed delicious! Make this yummy side dish that everyone in the family will love, right now.
Main Ingredients- 5 cucumbers
- 1 bunch of chives
- 3 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for salting cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup water (for salting cucumbers)
Seasoning Mix- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of sugar or sweetener (adjust sweetness)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of sugar or sweetener (adjust sweetness)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash 5 fresh cucumbers thoroughly. First, cut each cucumber into 3 equal parts. Then, cut each of these segments lengthwise into 4 pieces. This size is perfect for absorbing the dressing and for easy eating.
Step 2
After slicing all 5 cucumbers, this is the amount you get. It’s great for making a generous batch to enjoy over several meals.
Step 3
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of coarse sea salt evenly over the sliced cucumbers. The salt will draw out moisture, ensuring a wonderfully crisp texture.
Step 4
Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the bowl with the cucumbers. Adding water helps them salt faster and more evenly. Let them salt for about 40 minutes. It’s a good idea to gently toss the cucumbers midway through to ensure they salt uniformly.
Step 5
While the cucumbers are salting, roughly chop the fresh chives to a length similar to the cucumber pieces. Their fresh aroma will complement the coolness of the cucumbers beautifully.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning mix. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) and 3 tablespoons of fish sauce for a clean, savory taste.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for depth of flavor, and a tiny pinch of sweetener (like ‘new sugar’ or just a bit of regular sugar) to balance the taste. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 8
Using a spoon, mix all the seasoning ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, flavorful dressing. Make sure there are no clumps of red pepper flakes.
Step 9
After 40 minutes, rinse the well-salted cucumbers under cold running water a couple of times to remove excess salt. Gently squeeze out the water with your hands, and place them back into a clean bowl. Taste a piece after rinsing; if it’s still too salty, soak them in fresh water for a bit longer to adjust the saltiness.
Step 10
Pour all the prepared seasoning mix over the drained cucumbers. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to break the cucumber pieces. Ensure the dressing coats all the cucumbers evenly.
Step 11
Once the cucumbers are well coated with the seasoning, add the chopped chives. It’s important to mix them in gently, as over-mixing can make the chives lose their fresh flavor. A light toss is best to keep their vibrant taste!
Step 12
After mixing everything, taste the salad. If it needs more salt, add a little bit more to suit your palate perfectly.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma, and your crispy, delicious cucumber and chive salad is ready! For an even better taste, chill it in the refrigerator before serving.
