Spicy and Tangy Accordion Cucumber Salad
The Ultimate Accordion Cucumber Salad: A Recipe for a Visually Stunning and Delicious Dish
This recipe features cucumbers intricately sliced like an accordion, resulting in a refreshing, spicy, sweet, and tangy salad. Its beautiful presentation makes it a perfect addition to your table for special occasions. Enjoy the delightful crunch and vibrant flavors!
Main Ingredients
- 2 Korean cucumbers
- 3 Tbsp coarse salt (for brining cucumbers)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Spicy and Tangy Dressing
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp maesilcheong (green plum syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since we’ll be using the cucumber skins, thoroughly wash them using baking soda or coarse salt under running water. Ensure you scrub the textured parts of the skin meticulously.
Step 2
Place a cucumber on a cutting board and insert two chopsticks on each side. This prevents the knife from cutting all the way through to the bottom, ensuring safety and ease of slicing. Keeping the chopsticks as a guide, make diagonal, closely spaced cuts (about 1-2mm apart) along the cucumber. The closer the cuts, the better the cucumber will expand and retain its crispiness.
Step 3
Once you’ve finished slicing one side, carefully flip the cucumber over.
Step 4
On the flipped side, repeat the same process: with the chopsticks in place, make diagonal cuts just like you did on the first side. Making cuts on both sides will create a beautiful accordion-like pattern when the cucumber is expanded.
Step 5
The cucumber, now sliced this way, will stretch out like a spring, creating a fascinating visual. Be careful not to break or tear the cucumber slices.
Step 6
Cut the sliced cucumbers into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm long). Then, add 3 tablespoons of coarse salt and let them brine for at least 10 minutes. This process helps the cucumbers stay crisp while drawing out excess moisture. Stir them gently midway through to ensure even brining.
Step 7
While the cucumbers are brining, prepare the dressing. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing: gochugaru, salt, sugar, maesilcheong, minced garlic, sesame oil, and vinegar. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step 8
Rinse the brined cucumbers lightly under cold water to remove excess salt. Then, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Leaving any excess water can dilute the flavor of the dressing.
Step 9
Place the drained cucumbers in a wide bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over them. Gently mix the cucumbers with the dressing, being careful not to mash them. It’s best to gently toss or massage the cucumbers to ensure the dressing penetrates the sliced sections. Use your fingertips to feel the texture and mix softly.
Step 10
Once the cucumbers are well coated with the dressing, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a final touch. Your delicious, crunchy, spicy, sweet, and tangy accordion cucumber salad is complete! It’s wonderful served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a cooler, more refreshing taste.
