Description
A crisp and refreshing Spiral Korean Cucumber Salad tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Korean-inspired dressing. This no-cook side dish is light, vibrant, and packed with bold flavor in every spiral-cut bite.
Ingredients
2 large English cucumbers
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Place each cucumber between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent slicing all the way through.
- Make thin, straight cuts along one side of each cucumber. Flip over and slice diagonally to create a spiral pattern. Repeat with the second cucumber.
- Sprinkle cucumbers evenly with salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Place cucumbers in a serving dish and drizzle the dressing over them, ensuring it seeps into the cuts.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the gochugaru.
For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots.
Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and drain excess liquid before serving.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or slightly chilled and should not be reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
