Craving something fresh with a kick? This Spicy Gochujang Cucumber Salad is the perfect blend of crisp, cool cucumbers and the rich, fiery punch of gochujang. It’s a simple yet bold dish that will awaken your taste buds and add a burst of flavor to any meal. Perfect for a quick snack or a vibrant side, this salad is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Steps
- Score the cucumbers lengthwise using a fork to help the dressing adhere. Slice them thinly and place in a bowl with salt to draw out excess moisture. Let them sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Drain the cucumbers in a fine mesh strainer without rinsing and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add sliced scallions, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, optional chili paste, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, sweetness, or chili paste as preferred.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. For optimal freshness, serve the cucumber salad on the same day, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-skinned cucumbers such as Turkish, Persian, or English, approximately 5 cups when sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4–5 scallions, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or use Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, honey, or sugar, with more to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (such as sambal oelek) or sriracha, with more to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
FAQ
- What type of cucumbers are best for Asian Cucumber Salad?
- Thin-skinned varieties like Persian, Turkish, or English cucumbers are ideal due to their minimal bitterness and excellent flavor. If using waxy cucumbers, it’s recommended to peel them first.
- How can I adjust the flavor profile of this salad to match different Asian cuisines?
- To create a Thai-inspired version, incorporate fish sauce, lime juice, Thai basil, and crushed peanuts. For a Korean twist, add Gochujang. If aiming for a Japanese flavor, omit the garlic and chili paste.
- What is the purpose of salting the cucumbers before making the salad?
- Salting the cucumbers helps to draw out excess water, which enhances the salad’s flavor by preventing the dressing from becoming diluted. This step can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- How long can the Asian Cucumber Salad be stored, and what is the best method for storing it?
- The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. For optimal freshness, it’s best to enjoy it on the same day it’s prepared.
- What ingredients can be added to enhance the salad’s dressing?
- You can add grated ginger and garlic directly to the salad. For some heat, include red chili paste or sriracha, and adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Tips
- Score the cucumbers with a fork before slicing to help the dressing adhere better, enhancing the flavor in every bite.
- Salting the cucumbers before mixing helps them release excess water, ensuring the dressing doesn’t become diluted and the salad remains flavorful.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs; while scallions are a great addition, chives, cilantro, or Thai basil can add unique flavors to the salad.
- For a touch of heat, consider incorporating chili paste or sriracha, and adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment
- Fine mesh strainer
- Grater (for ginger and garlic)
- Mixing bowls (if not already available)
- Tines (though this is part of a fork, a specialized tool like a citrus zester or scoring tool could be used)
- Airtight storage container (if not already available)
