Fitness / August 11, 2023

Delicious Korean Cucumber Salad

Go on a flavorful expedition with our Delicious Korean Cucumber Salad recipe, a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, zingy lime, delicate spring onions, and a tantalizing sauce that packs a punch!

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Hope you’re ready to embark on another culinary adventure because today we’re jetting off to Korea. We aren’t just making any random dish (that would hardly justify a trip ALL THE WAY to Korea, would it?), we’re diving into one of my ultimate summer faves – the Korean Cucumber Salad.

For this salad we use crispy cucumbers, slivers of spring onions, a dollop of honey for that sweet kick, and let’s not forget the fiery edge of Korean red pepper flakes. Talk about flavor explosion, right?

Are you a fan of that punchy Kachumbari salad from East Africa? Or maybe that zingy Thai cucumber salad? If you’ve been coming to the site for a while, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of cucumber salads (I’m also a fan of other Korean delights like my Bibimbap recipe!) If you’re a fan of those, then buckle up, because this Korean beauty is in the same ballpark, but with its own unique charm. Grab your chopping board, it’s salad-making time!

Is Korean Cucumber Salad Healthy?

It’s a salad of cucumbers so yep, it’s pretty darn good for you! All the ingredients are just fresh and simple. Cucumbers? They’re amazing little hydration boosters and they’re packed with vitamins, too. And the spicy sauce packs a punch AND works wonders for your metabolism. Honey, a natural sweetener, is used instead of refined sugars, the lime juice lends some vitamin C to the proceedings, and soy sauce, while salty, isn’t as bad as refined table salt (just don’t go overboard with how much you use).

INGREDIENTS

Ready to get started on your Korean Cucumber Salad? Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tbsp honey
¼ cup soy sauce
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp Korean red pepper flakes
2 tsp black sesame seeds
1 cucumber
2 sprigs of spring onion

INSTRUCTIONS

Add

Add the honey, soy sauce, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds to a bowl.

Slice

Slice the cucumber into thick wheels. Thinly slice the spring onions.

Toss

Mix the cucumber and spring onion together with the sauce until all the cucumber is adequately coated.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Korean Cucumber Salad

Use crunchy cucumbers, like the English or Persian varieties. These have thin skins, making them perfect for salads.
Those Korean red pepper flakes can be quite spicy, so proceed with care. If you’re sensitive to heat in foods, you may want to err on the side of caution and use only a fraction of the amount recommended in this recipe.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is the way to go. It’s a key ingredient in this salad so you’ll want something flavorful and less processed than those bottled versions.
Optionally, let the salad marinate in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the flavors fully.
Top off with extra black sesame seeds or some fresh cilantro for added visual appeal and fragrance.

FAQs

Can I whip up this salad in advance?

Letting it sit for a while actually amps up the flavors because the cucumbers have more time to soak up the dressing. So, yes, you can make it in advance; it’s actually encouraged. Just keep in mind to dig into it within 24 hours, for the freshest taste and crunch.

I’ve got no Korean red pepper flakes. Can I use another type of spice?

While Korean red pepper flakes seem most appropriate in a Korean salad, don’t worry if you can’t find any. Crushed red pepper flakes will do just fine. Just be aware, they may be hotter than their Korean counterpart so start off with a small amount.

Can I play around with this recipe a bit?

This salad — like most salads — is flexible. Consider tossing in thinly sliced radishes for a crunch bonus or some grated carrot for a slight sweetness. Wanna turn this salad into something more substantial? Add some cooked shrimp or shredded chicken.

Can I use other types of citrus juice instead of lime juice?

Yes, and while I am forever beating the lime drum for this recipe, yuzu or lemon also works well.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful salad is perfect as a side dish for a barbecue or any Asian-inspired main dish like grilled chicken or tofu. It also pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, hearty grains.

How To prep and store a korean cucumber salad

This Korean Cucumber Salad is totally make-ahead friendly. To do so, just cover it up (use saran wrap over the serving bowl or relocate it to an airtight container) and stick it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The good news is, it will probably taste even better when you take it out, after the flavors have had more of a chance to mingle. When you’re ready to dine once more, give it a quick stir and feast away!