Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Submitted by Emily Han

"Spicy sliced cucumber banchan (side dish). I'm Korean so this is a mild to medium spicy, but if you are sensitive to spice, half the pepper paste and pepper powder, then add to taste."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Yields: 25 cucumber slices
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 English cucumber
• 1⁄2 - 3⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 dashes apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons korean red pepper paste (Gochujang)
• 2 teaspoons red chili peppers (gochugaru-Korean style, fine powder. Not cayenne)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 dashes salt

directions

1. Wash and slice cucumber into 1/4 - 1/8" pieces. Discard ends.
2. Spread cucumber slices onto cutting board. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for at least 15 minutes. You should see water start to form on them.
3. Meanwhile, mix all other ingredients well in a 1.5 Quart mixing bowl. (Use 1/2 cup Rice Vinegar for small to medium size cucumber, 3/4 for larger one).
4. Press cucumber slices with paper towel or cheesecloth to remove water.
5. Put cucumbers in bowl and stir so they become coated.
6. Let marinate at least 1 hour before serving. Cucumbers may start to become a bit limp, but do not let them get soggy due to the vinegar.
7. To store, place cucumbers in a plastic container with only a little liquid, and leave in the refrigerator.
8. This recipe serves about 4 for banchan (side dish). Cooking time is marinating time. Add or subtract ingredients to taste. Try green onion or more garlic.

Reviews

[ColoradoCooking]

We are addicted to this!

 

[Tread]

Now my go to recipe for cucumber salad. Goes great as a side with meat, steaks or chops, especially on hot summer days. Now a family favorite.

 

[ssan4him]

Another wonderful recipe! I have made your yummy soup, please keep posting your other Korean recipes!! You are awesome!

 

[Gerry]

This made for a WOW salad! I am relatively new to Korean food, this like the recipes I have tried is so a repeatable! Made using garden fresh cucumbers - yes cucumbers - so good it has already seen to two makings. Other then not having been able to find the powdered red chili pepper (have it on order) I made as posted. The Korean red pepper paste made for a wonderfully spicy cucumber salad that was way beyond my expectations and one I can't wait to serve to family and friends.Thank you Emily.

 

[xidmary]

Very Good! I didn't use the red chili pepper powder and it was hot enough for us. Will make again. Thanks.