Name: Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (about 2 cups sliced); 1 tsp kosher salt; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp sesame oil; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something light, crisp, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad is exactly what you need. The cool crunch of English cucumbers combines beautifully with a tangy, garlicky dressing, kissed by a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and the warm nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds. This salad is not only a breeze to make but also a perfect palate cleanser or side dish that elevates any meal with its lively textures and bold, balanced flavors.

Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet indispensable for creating that authentic taste and exquisite texture. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s adding acidity, heat, or crunch, coming together to make the perfect Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad.

English cucumbers: Their thin skin and crisp texture hold up wonderfully without becoming watery.
Kosher salt: Draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers to keep the salad crisp.
Rice vinegar: Offers a clean, slightly sweet tang that’s signature to Korean pickled dishes.
Sugar: Balances the acidity and heat to create harmony in the dressing.
Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punchy savory depth that wakes up your taste buds.
Sesame oil: Imparts a rich, nutty aroma that brings warmth and complexity.
Red pepper flakes: Provide a gentle kick; feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for an extra layer of texture and a toasty finish.

How to Make Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing the English cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly so they absorb the dressing beautifully, yet retain a nice crunch that every bite demands. This thin slicing also allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 2: Draw Out Moisture

Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt. Let them rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key because it releases excess water, ensuring your salad isn’t soggy but wonderfully crisp and refreshing.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is smooth and vibrant. This mixture is the heartbeat of the salad, delivering the perfect sweet, tangy, and spicy balance.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

After the cucumbers have released their moisture, drain any excess liquid to avoid diluting the dressing. Toss the cucumbers in the flavorful mixture, ensuring every slice is evenly coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds on top. These seeds don’t just add a lovely nutty crunch but also a golden color that makes the salad look as good as it tastes. For best flavor, chill the salad for about an hour if time allows before serving.

How to Serve Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish of extra toasted sesame seeds or a few thinly sliced scallions can add contrast and freshness that elevate this simple salad even more. These garnishes make the dish pop visually and provide subtle bursts of flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with rich and hearty dishes like Korean BBQ, grilled meats, or even spicy fried rice. Its refreshing crunch cuts through fatty foods beautifully, making it a perfect companion on any table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cucumber salad in small individual bowls or slightly hollowed cucumber halves for a charming presentation. Layering it on top of steamed rice or alongside steamed dumplings also creates a delightful textural play that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may soften slightly over time but will still retain plenty of their crispness.

Freezing

Freezing this cucumber salad isn’t recommended, since cucumbers have a high water content and will become mushy upon thawing. For the freshest experience, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer it chilled, simply take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the chill just a little.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine, but English cucumbers tend to have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which gives a better texture and less bitter taste for this salad.

How spicy is the salad with the red pepper flakes?

The amount called for gives a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming them. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes up or down according to your spice comfort level.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! This salad is already vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a perfect, plant-based dish that’s vibrant and full of flavor.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar if I don’t have any?

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be good substitutes, just use a little less and add a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity.

Final Thoughts

This Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad is a little bowl of joy that’s bound to brighten up your meal times. Its crispness, tang, and gentle spice come together effortlessly, making it one of those easy recipes you’ll want to keep in your daily rotation. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, vibrant salad that your family and friends will keep asking for again and again.

Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 30 minutes (including resting)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A light and refreshing Korean cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers tossed in a tangy rice vinegar dressing with garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a crisp side dish to complement any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 English cucumbers (about 2 cups sliced)

Seasonings & Dressings

1 tsp kosher salt
3 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Slice Cucumbers: Wash the English cucumbers thoroughly and thinly slice them into rounds approximately 1/8-inch thick to ensure a crisp texture.
Salt the Cucumbers: Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps maintain a crunchy texture and enhances flavor absorption.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until fully combined, creating a balanced tangy and spicy dressing.
Drain and Combine: After the cucumbers have released their moisture, drain the liquid thoroughly. Then, toss the cucumbers with the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
Add Sesame Seeds and Chill: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness and texture. For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving, or serve immediately if preferred.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
Using English cucumbers gives a less seedy and more tender bite but regular cucumbers can be substituted.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing taste.
For extra freshness, add thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.
This salad is best enjoyed within a day for optimal crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-cook / Marinate
Cuisine: Korean