Easy Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe for a Quick and Flavorful Snack
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0 Korean spicy cucumber salad, also known as oi muchim, is a traditional Korean side dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers that are marinated in a spicy and tangy dressing.
The dressing typically includes gochujang (Korean chili paste), rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and green onions. The salad is then chilled in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. It is a popular side dish in Korean cuisine that adds a refreshing and spicy kick to any meal.
Here’s a recipe for Korean spicy cucumber salad:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced carrot
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
To begin, start by washing the cucumbers and slicing them thinly. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to do this. Once you’ve sliced the cucumbers, place them in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Toss the cucumbers with the salt to evenly coat them, then let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out any excess moisture from the cucumbers.
While the cucumbers are sitting, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir the sauce until everything is well combined and set it aside.
After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the cucumbers in a large bowl, along with the sliced onion, sliced carrot, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
At this point, you can serve the Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad immediately, or you can let it sit in the refrigerator for a little while to allow the flavors to meld together. This dish can be served as a side dish with Korean barbecue, rice, or any other Korean dish you like.
One of the great things about Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad is that it’s a very adaptable dish. You can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less gochugaru, and you can also add other ingredients to suit your tastes. Some people like to add sliced jalapenos or serrano peppers for extra heat, while others like to add sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch.
In addition to being delicious, Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad is also a healthy dish. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for anyone looking to eat a healthier diet. The sauce is also made with ingredients that are low in fat and calories, such as soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Another great thing about Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad is that it’s a very affordable dish. Cucumbers, onions, and carrots are all very inexpensive ingredients that can be found at most grocery stores. Gochugaru, the Korean red pepper flakes used to make the sauce, can be a bit more difficult to find, but can usually be purchased at Asian grocery stores or online.
Overall, Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for anyone who loves Korean cuisine or spicy food in general. It’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and affordable, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add more variety to their diet.
