Zingy Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe for Hot Summer Days

Cool summer days call for a refreshing spicy korean cucumber salad that dances with vibrant flavors.

Crisp cucumber slices mingle with zesty seasonings, creating a perfect balance of heat and crunch.

Korean cuisine brings incredible depth through simple ingredients and bold combinations.

Tangy vinegar and chili peppers spark an exciting culinary adventure on your plate.

Delicate herbs and robust spices intertwine to deliver a mouthwatering experience that awakens every taste bud.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through authentic korean flavor profiles.

You will absolutely love how quickly this salad comes together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Why This Korean Cucumber Salad Is So Refreshing

• Boost Flavor Fast: Pack a punch of Korean-inspired zesty tastes without complicated cooking techniques, making this cucumber salad a game-changer for quick meal upgrades.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to match personal preferences, creating a versatile side dish that adapts to different palates and dietary needs.
• Nutrition in a Snap: Load up on fresh vegetables and vibrant ingredients that deliver crisp textures and healthy nutrients without spending hours in the kitchen.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, let the salad marinate, and enjoy a restaurant-quality side dish with minimal effort and maximum taste satisfaction.

Everything You’ll Need for Korean Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: Crisp and cool vegetables that form the base of this zesty Korean salad.

• Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: A classic Asian-inspired flavor combination that adds tanginess and depth to the salad.
• Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the spicy and tangy elements.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic kick to the salad.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a spicy heat that characterizes Korean cuisine.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers a nutty crunch and traditional Korean touch.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad Easily

Step 1: Whisk Together Flavor Explosion

• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients vigorously until they harmonize into a vibrant, glossy mixture.

Step 2: Transform Cucumbers into Spicy Delights

Slice cucumbers into thin, elegant rounds or half-moons. Gently tumble the cucumber pieces into the prepared marinade, ensuring each slice gets thoroughly coated with the zesty dressing. Use a soft spatula or your hands to massage the flavors into the cucumber.

Step 3: Chill and Intensify Flavor Profile

Transfer the cucumber mixture to a sealed container or cover the bowl. Place in the refrigerator and let the salad marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This resting period allows the cucumbers to absorb the complex, spicy-sweet flavors and become wonderfully crisp and refreshing.

Step 4: Serve and Savor the Korean Sensation

Remove the cucumber salad from the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir to redistribute the marinade. Serve chilled as a vibrant side dish that brings a punch of Korean-inspired excitement to any meal. The salad pairs brilliantly with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a standalone summer treat.

Tips for Crunchy and Flavorful Cucumber Salad

• Slice cucumbers thinly and uniformly for consistent marinating and better texture absorption.
• Use English cucumbers for a crunchier and less watery salad that holds the dressing perfectly.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
• For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar without compromising the authentic Korean flavor.

Different Takes on Korean Cucumber Salad

• Herb Garden Cucumber Salad: Replace red pepper flakes with fresh chopped herbs like dill, mint, and parsley for a milder, garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Citrus Punch Cucumber Salad: Swap rice vinegar with fresh lime or orange juice and add orange zest for a bright, tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Pickled Korean Cucumber Salad: Let the cucumber marinate longer (2-4 hours) for a more intense pickle-like texture and enhanced flavor absorption.
• Nutty Asian Cucumber Salad: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or toasted almonds on top for extra crunch and nutty undertones that complement the spicy dressing.

What Pairs Well With Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: The cool, spicy cucumber salad perfectly complements grilled chicken, pork, or beef, balancing the charred flavors with its zesty and refreshing profile.
• Sip Korean Rice Wine: Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, brings a smooth, slightly sweet contrast to the salad's spicy and tangy notes, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Match with Steamed Rice: Fluffy white rice serves as an excellent base to absorb the salad's vibrant dressing, providing a neutral backdrop that enhances the cucumber's bold flavors.
• Complement with Crisp Lager: A cold, light Korean beer like Hite or Cass cuts through the salad's heat and provides a crisp, clean finish to each spicy bite.

Best Way to Store Korean Cucumber Salad

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
• Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove cucumbers, preventing soggy texture. Discard extra dressing to keep salad fresh.
• Gently bring salad to room temperature before serving. Do not microwave, as it can make cucumbers mushy and lose their crunch.
• Cucumber's high water content makes it unsuitable for freezing. Fresh preparation is always best for maintaining optimal taste and texture.

FAQs About Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

• What are the key ingredients for this Korean cucumber salad?

The key ingredients include cucumbers, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.

• Is this dish spicy?

Yes, the red pepper flakes give this cucumber salad a noticeable kick of heat that can be adjusted to your personal spice preference.

• Can I use a different type of cucumber?

English or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and a crisper texture, but you can use regular garden cucumbers if needed.

• How long can I keep this salad in the refrigerator?

The cucumber salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the texture might become slightly softer over time.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool Korean cucumber salad delivers crisp, zesty flavors that dance across your palate with refreshing heat. Crunchy cucumbers marinated in spicy gochugaru and tangy vinegar create an irresistible side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey

Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together the tangy dressing ingredients – rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper – in a spacious mixing bowl until fully integrated.
2. Slice cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds or half-moons, ensuring consistent texture and even dressing absorption.
3. Gently fold cucumber slices into the prepared marinade, carefully coating each piece to maximize flavor penetration.
4. Cover the cucumber mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while chilling the salad.
5. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ensure each cucumber slice is perfectly seasoned.
6. Serve cold as a vibrant, zesty side dish that provides a refreshing kick with a hint of spicy complexity.

Notes

• Slice cucumbers thinly and evenly to ensure consistent flavor absorption and crisp texture throughout the salad.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for desired heat level.
• For a low-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to maintain the balanced flavor profile.
• Allow the salad to marinate longer than 30 minutes for deeper flavor infusion, but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent cucumber becoming too soft.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 57 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg