Spicy & Sweet Cucumber Gochujang Salad: A Recipe for Crisp Cucumber Side Dish
How to Make Cucumber Gochujang Salad ~ Cucumber Side Dish
Today, we’re making a spicy cucumber salad with gochujang. This refreshing side dish perfectly balances the crispness of cucumbers with a sweet and spicy gochujang dressing. It’s a fantastic addition to any meal!
Main Ingredients- 2 Korean cucumbers (oichoi)
- 1/2 onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by understanding the benefits of Korean cucumbers (Oichoi)! They are rich in water, which aids in flushing out toxins and heavy metals from the body, and contain isocucurbitacin, a compound that helps reduce swelling. Their high water content also makes them excellent for dieting.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the cucumbers under running water. Gently scrape off any fine spines with a knife or peel them lightly if preferred. Then, slice them into thick rounds, about 0.7 to 1 cm thick. Slicing them thickly ensures a satisfying crunch and preserves the fresh, crisp flavor of the cucumber.
Step 3
For the best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to prepare this cucumber salad just for the meal you’re about to eat. If made too far in advance, the cucumbers can release water, becoming diluted and losing their crispness.
Step 4
Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the sliced cucumbers and toss gently. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to lightly salt and draw out some moisture. Avoid salting for too long, as this can make them too salty and mushy. After salting, briefly rinse them under cold water and gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
Step 5
Thinly slice the half onion into strips, similar in thickness to the cucumber slices.
Step 6
Finely chop the green onion and mince the garlic.
Step 7
Prepare the minced garlic and chopped green onion, which will be part of our dressing.
Step 8
Add the sugar to the dressing mixture to provide a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.
Step 9
Pour in the vinegar and mix well. If you enjoy a tangy flavor, use the full tablespoon. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of vinegar or omit it altogether.
Step 10
Now, add the Gochujang, the star of our spicy flavor. Since Gochujang can vary in saltiness, it’s a good idea to start with 1 tablespoon and taste before adding more, to achieve your desired saltiness.
Step 11
Sprinkle in the sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. You can also add them towards the end of mixing. Sesame oil is optional; it adds richness but can be omitted if you want to highlight the fresh cucumber flavor even more.
Step 12
Add the sliced onions to the prepared dressing and mix well, allowing the onions to absorb some of the flavors.
Step 13
Gently combine the squeezed cucumbers with the seasoned onions and dressing. Mix carefully so that the dressing coats the cucumber evenly without mashing the pieces.
Step 14
Toss everything together lightly until well combined, and your crisp and delicious Cucumber Gochujang Salad is ready! Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful side dish.
