Crispy Cucumber Bibimbap
Summer Delicacy! Easy and Delicious Cucumber Bibimbap Recipe (using seasoned cucumber)
Introducing a super simple cucumber bibimbap recipe that’s perfect for those days when you have no appetite in the sweltering summer heat and don’t feel like cooking much. With just a side of refreshingly seasoned cucumbers, your rice bowl will be gobbled up in no time. The seasoning is uncomplicated and the process is very straightforward, making it easy for even beginner cooks to create a delicious cucumber bibimbap. Give it a try on those lazy, unappetizing days!
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers (No-gak)
- 1 Tbsp salt (for salting cucumbers)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s time to prepare the cucumbers. While methods for preparing ‘no-gak’ (a type of cucumber) can vary from household to household, today we’ll show you how to gently peel it using a vegetable peeler.
Step 2
Using a peeler makes it incredibly easy and quick to remove the tough skin of the cucumber. Peel it thinly.
Step 3
Next is a key step to making delicious seasoned cucumbers: ‘salting’. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt evenly over the prepared cucumbers and let them sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This process helps to draw out the excess water and improve the texture.
Step 4
The cucumbers are well-salted when they feel slightly pliable when pressed. Gently rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water. Then, it’s crucial to squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands.
Step 5
The secret to great cucumber dishes lies in effectively draining the water. Properly squeezed cucumbers will have a delightful ‘chewy’ texture, allowing you to create a more varied and delicious cucumber dish.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the seasoning for the seasoned cucumbers. It’s a very simple and straightforward blend. Place the squeezed cucumbers in a bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. You don’t need sesame oil; simply sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top at the end to complete the delicious seasoned cucumbers. (You can add minced garlic, etc., according to your preference.)
Step 7
Once your seasoned cucumbers are ready, pile a generous amount onto a bowl of warm rice and mix well. This is your ‘Cucumber Bibimbap’! On a hot summer day, when cooking feels like too much effort and your appetite is low, this one bowl of bibimbap will have you finishing your rice so quickly, you won’t even think about needing other side dishes.
