Korean Cucumber “Tang Tang” Salad
Kim Ga-yeon’s Easy Cucumber “Tang Tang” Salad Recipe from “Stars’ Top Recipe Show”: Quick Side Dish
I’m sharing the ‘Cucumber Tang Tang’ recipe that actress Kim Ga-yeon introduced on the TV show ‘Stars’ Top Recipe Show’. While it’s similar to a regular seasoned cucumber salad, the unique method of tenderizing the cucumbers with a mallet instead of a knife makes it incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for a quick side dish! It’s delightfully easy to make and truly special. The crisp texture and refreshing taste are sure to lift your spirits. You might find yourself finishing the cucumbers in no time! The ‘Tang Tang’ part comes from hitting the cucumbers, which breaks them into irregular pieces. This texture allows the dressing to penetrate more deeply, enhancing the flavor. Kim Ga-yeon made hers with 6 cucumbers, but I’ve halved the amount to 2 cucumbers, creating a portion suitable for 2-3 meals, adjusted to my taste. The seasoning includes minced garlic, salt, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, with a tip to use plenty of sesame seeds for a richer flavor!
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (ground)
- 1 Tbsp whole sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (ground)
- 1 Tbsp whole sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 2 fresh cucumbers. Since we’ll be using the skin, it’s important to wash them thoroughly under running water. A good tip is to rub them gently with a bit of salt first to remove any surface impurities. Then, rinse them well under cold running water.
Step 2
Trim off the ends of both cucumbers.
Step 3
Now, let’s get ready to tenderize the cucumbers. You can do this directly on a cutting board. However, if you’re concerned about pieces flying, place the cucumbers inside a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or a bottle to hit them repeatedly through the bag.
Step 4
Begin by hitting the cucumbers lengthwise, as if you’re splitting them into long halves. This helps to create a texture that absorbs the dressing beautifully.
Step 5
Next, hit the cucumbers crosswise, breaking them into large, irregular chunks, similar to the visual in the photo. The key here is to create uneven pieces.
Step 6
Discard any loose seeds or very fine bits that have fallen off during the tenderizing process. Place all the larger, irregular cucumber pieces into a mixing bowl.
Step 7
It’s time to make the salad dressing! Add the minced garlic (1/2 Tbsp), salt (2/3 Tbsp), vinegar (1 Tbsp), sugar (1.5 Tbsp), sesame oil (1 Tbsp), and ground sesame seeds (2 Tbsp) to the bowl with the cucumbers.
Step 8
Put on some disposable gloves and gently mix everything together, ensuring the sweet and tangy dressing evenly coats the cucumber pieces. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed – add a pinch more salt if it’s too bland or a bit more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Finally, sprinkle in the whole sesame seeds (1 Tbsp) and give it one last gentle mix. Your delicious Korean Cucumber ‘Tang Tang’ Salad is ready! It’s great served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for an even cooler and more refreshing taste.
