Crispy Chives and Cucumber Salad: A Simple and Delicious Summer Side Dish
Revitalize Your Appetite with a Refreshing Chives and Cucumber Salad!
Introducing a refreshing and crispy chives and cucumber salad that’s perfect for combating summer heat and bland appetites. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal summer side dish. The harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy seasoning is a true rice thief!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 bunch chives
- 1 Korean cucumber (baek-oi)
- 1/4 onion
Seasoning- 3 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/3 Tbsp ginger concentrate (saenggangcheong)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallion
- 3 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/3 Tbsp ginger concentrate (saenggangcheong)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh chives thoroughly under running water and cut them into approximately 3-4 cm lengths for easy eating. Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning!
Step 2
Peel the Korean cucumber roughly with a vegetable peeler, or you can leave the skin on if you prefer. Slice the peeled cucumber diagonally into about 0.5 cm thick half-moon shapes. This slicing method helps the seasoning penetrate well.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion. The sweetness and aroma of the onion will harmonize beautifully with the chives and cucumber, creating a richer flavor.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and onion. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients (fish sauce, gochugaru, plum extract, ginger concentrate, minced garlic, and chopped scallion). Toss them together roughly and let it sit for a moment. This allows the cucumber and onion to absorb some of the seasoning, enhancing the taste.
Step 5
Next, add the drained chives to the bowl. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the chives, cucumber, onion, and seasoning are well combined without clumping. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can make the chives taste raw. The goal is to preserve the crispness and freshness of the ingredients.
Step 6
Voila! Your delicious chives and cucumber salad is ready in a flash. Enjoy this delightful summer side dish, perfectly balanced with the crispness of fresh vegetables and a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy dressing!
