Crispy Cucumber and Onion Salad
Sweet and Tangy! Summer Delight, Chef Baek’s Easy Cucumber and Onion Salad Recipe
This recipe features a refreshing ‘Cucumber and Onion Salad’ made with affordable, in-season cucumbers and sweet, fresh onions. It’s delicious when freshly tossed, but it also maintains its crispiness for a delightful side dish over a day or two in the refrigerator. It’s the perfect condiment to stimulate your appetite with its sweet and tangy flavor when you’re not feeling very hungry.
Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 fresh onion
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1-2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the cucumber and fresh onion, along with all the seasoning ingredients needed for the salad. Get ready to slice and dice the ingredients using a mandoline or knife.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly and cut it into 4 lengthwise sections. Then, use a knife to carefully scoop out the watery seedy core. Doing this helps prevent the salad from becoming watery when stored, maintaining a crispier texture.
Step 3
Slice the prepared cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice or roughly chop the fresh onion to a similar size as the cucumber. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for a while and then drain them before use.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the gochugaru, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
Step 5
Using a spatula or spoon, stir the seasoning ingredients until they are well combined and there are no clumps. It’s important to stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 6
Add the prepared cucumber and onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix them with a spoon. If you mix with your hands, the vegetables might release water and become soft. Using a spoon helps maintain their crispiness and a clean taste. Mix gently to ensure the dressing coats the vegetables evenly.
Step 7
And there you have it – a delicious and crispy cucumber and onion salad is ready! It’s great to enjoy immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing taste. Enjoy this wonderful dish that’s perfect as a side with rice or as a snack!
