Spicy, Tangy, and Sweet Cilantro Cucumber Salad
Cilantro and Cucumber Salad: A Perfect Side Dish for Meaty Meals
Today, we’ve created a refreshing salad combining cilantro and cucumber with a tangy, spicy, and sweet dressing. It’s an excellent accompaniment to rich dishes like pork belly or other fatty meats, cutting through the richness with its vibrant flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 200g fresh cilantro
- 1 cucumber
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Spicy & Tangy Dressing
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the delicious dressing for our salad. In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: 2 Tbsp gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp maesilcheong, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, and 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined. Making the dressing in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Then, slice it thinly on a bias (diagonally) into approximately 5cm (2-inch) lengths. This slicing method helps the dressing penetrate the cucumber slices evenly, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 3
Trim the root ends off the fresh cilantro. Rinse it carefully under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean, chop the cilantro into segments of about 5cm (2 inches) in length. If you particularly enjoy the strong, aromatic flavor of cilantro, feel free to cut it into slightly longer pieces.
Step 4
Now, add the sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and the prepared dressing to a mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together using your hands or tongs. Be careful not to overmix or crush the ingredients; a gentle toss ensures the cucumber and cilantro retain their crisp texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a little more sugar or vinegar to suit your preference.
Step 5
Transfer the perfectly mixed cilantro and cucumber salad to a serving dish. For a final touch of nutty aroma and visual appeal, sprinkle a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top. Your vibrant and refreshing cilantro cucumber salad is ready to be enjoyed! It’s a fantastic pairing with warm rice or rich, fatty meats.
