A crunchy and refreshing cucumber salad tossed in a spicy soy-based marinade with nutty sesame oil and toasted pine nuts for extra depth of flavor. A simple yet elegant side dish with Korean-inspired flavors.
Author:Emma Harper
Prep Time:15 mins
Cook Time:0 mins
Total Time:15 mins
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:No Cook
Cuisine:Korean
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, chopped
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar or honey
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Instructions
Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
In a small bowl, mix garlic, scallions, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar to make the marinade.
Add cucumbers to the marinade and toss gently until evenly coated.
Top with sesame seeds and pine nuts before serving.
Notes
Serve chilled for maximum crunch and flavor.
Adjust spice level by adding more or less gochugaru.
Pairs perfectly with rice, grilled meats, or other Korean-inspired dishes.