Crispy Cucumber and Bean Sprout Salad Recipe
Sweet and Tangy Cucumber and Bean Sprout Salad
We usually make cucumber and bean sprouts into a mustard-based cold salad, but today I’m trying a new version with gochugaru for a sweet and tangy flavor! I’ve never made it this way personally before. The cucumber and bean sprouts are wonderfully crisp and delicious. ♡
Main Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 165g blanched bean sprouts
Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, leveled)
- 1 tsp salt (leveled)
- 2 Tbsp oligo당 (isomaltooligosaccharide syrup) or honey
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- A pinch of minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, leveled)
- 1 tsp salt (leveled)
- 2 Tbsp oligo당 (isomaltooligosaccharide syrup) or honey
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- A pinch of minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the bean sprouts under running water. Blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes with the lid closed, ensuring they remain crisp. Immediately rinse the blanched bean sprouts in cold water to cool them down and drain them thoroughly in a colander. For the cucumber, scrub it clean, perhaps with baking soda or coarse salt, then lightly peel it using a vegetable peeler.
Step 2
Cut the prepared cucumber in half lengthwise. Then, slice it diagonally into pieces about 0.5 cm thick. This diagonal cut helps the seasoning to be absorbed evenly and makes it easier to eat.
Step 3
Now it’s time to make the dressing, the heart of this cucumber and bean sprout salad. In a large bowl, combine the gochugaru, salt, oligo당, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic. Mix well until all the seasonings are thoroughly combined. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water.
Step 4
Add the drained bean sprouts and the sliced cucumber to the prepared dressing. Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can mash the cucumber or bean sprouts. Continue to gently combine until all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning. Your delicious cucumber and bean sprout salad is now ready!
