Spicy and Crunchy Cucumber Salad with Ssamjang Dressing
Quick & Easy Korean Cucumber Salad with Ssamjang: A 5-Minute Summer Side Dish
On hot summer days, simple, no-cook dishes are the best! We’re sharing a beloved Korean side dish: a crunchy cucumber salad with ssamjang dressing. Using just store-bought ssamjang, you can whip up this incredibly fast side dish in about 5 minutes. The rich flavor of ssamjang means you don’t need many other seasonings; it’s perfectly crisp and refreshing on its own. Made with fresh seasonal cucumbers, it’s a delightful summer treat. Make this quick and delicious side dish today!
Main Ingredients- 10 crunchy cucumbers
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp store-bought ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (or crushed toasted sesame seeds for better flavor integration)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) or other liquid sweetener (for gloss and subtle sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp store-bought ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (or crushed toasted sesame seeds for better flavor integration)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) or other liquid sweetener (for gloss and subtle sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the crunchy cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice them into approximately 1 cm thick rounds. This recipe makes a generous portion, perfect for sharing with neighbors!
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of store-bought ssamjang and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. If you don’t have ssamjang, you can use doenjang (soybean paste) alone, or a mixture of doenjang and gochujang (red chili paste) for a different flavor profile.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Crushing the sesame seeds slightly before adding will help them blend better with the dressing. Also, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Step 4
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of oligodang. This ingredient adds a beautiful sheen and a hint of sweetness, making the dish even more appealing.
Step 5
Mix all the seasoning ingredients well with a spoon to create the dressing. Once the dressing is thoroughly combined, add the sliced cucumbers and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Your crunchy cucumber ssamjang salad is now ready!
Step 6
This is a truly simple yet incredibly flavorful and speedy dish. It’s so easy, it barely feels like cooking – more like assembling a quick, delicious side!
Step 7
Wondering what side dish to make today? On hot days, simple recipes like this are a lifesaver. Why not round out your meal with this easy and satisfying cucumber salad?
