Crispy Cucumber & Miso Salad (Also Great as a Ssamjang Dip!)
Spicy Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing
A refreshing side dish with a satisfying crunch and a mild flavor that anyone can enjoy. It’s not spicy, making it perfect for kids, and it serves as an excellent accompaniment to rice. You can even use this special miso sauce recipe as a delicious ssamjang dip! Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for housewarming parties or when entertaining guests.
Main Ingredients
- 20 crisp cucumbers (approx. 400-500g)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (for color and a hint of heat)
- 1 cup miso paste (approx. 150g, homemade or store-bought is fine)
- 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise (adds creaminess and shine)
- 1.5 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup, adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (enhances the sauce’s aroma)
- A pinch of sesame oil (for nutty fragrance)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and texture)
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (for color and a hint of heat)
- 1 cup miso paste (approx. 150g, homemade or store-bought is fine)
- 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise (adds creaminess and shine)
- 1.5 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup, adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (enhances the sauce’s aroma)
- A pinch of sesame oil (for nutty fragrance)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and texture)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the crisp cucumbers thoroughly. Rinsing them under running water or soaking them briefly in water with a little vinegar can help ensure they are clean. After washing, drain them well in a colander to remove excess moisture, as this can dilute the dressing. Once dry, chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 2cm in length.
Step 2
Next, let’s make the flavorful dressing. In a wide bowl, combine the miso paste (1 cup), red pepper flakes (1/2 Tbsp), mayonnaise (1/2 Tbsp), oligodang (1.5 Tbsp), and minced garlic (1/2 Tbsp). Use a whisk or spoon to mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and there are no lumps. Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of oligodang if you prefer it sweeter.
Step 3
Now, combine the chopped cucumbers and the prepared dressing in the bowl. Gently toss them together to coat the cucumbers evenly with the sauce, being careful not to mash the cucumbers. Finish by drizzling in a little sesame oil and sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds. Give it one final gentle mix, and your delicious crisp cucumber and miso salad is ready! While it’s tasty right away, chilling it in the refrigerator for a short while will allow the flavors to meld beautifully for an even richer taste.
