0.0 from 0 votes
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Spicy Korean cucumber salad, or oi muchim, is a refreshing, flavorful side dish made with crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, sesame-infused dressing with a kick of gochugaru. Perfect for adding a spicy crunch to any meal!
Prep Time
2 mins
Additional Time
15 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 296 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine:
Korean
Ingredients
- 4 Persian cucumbers (aka mini cucumbers)
- 2 teaspoons salt to draw out moisture
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice your cucumbers thin, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture and ensures a crunchy texture.
- Rinse and Drain: Rinse the cucumber slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and gochugaru. If you like more heat, add gochujang for a spicier kick.
- Combine and Toss: Toss cucumbers in the dressing until coated. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let it chill for about 30 minutes in the fridge to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with extra sesame seeds and serve cold.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use the Right Cucumbers: Go for Persian or mini cucumbers with thin skins and minimal seeds for the best crunch and flavor.
- Don’t Oversalt: Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt to remove excess moisture, but don’t leave them too long—around 15 minutes is enough to keep them from getting too salty.
- Adjust the Spice: Start with a small amount of gochugaru and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like more heat.
- Let It Rest: Give the dressed salad at least 30 minutes in the fridge so the flavors can mingle and intensify before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
296kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
28g
(9%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
8g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Sodium
6804mg
(284%)
Potassium
696mg
(20%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
2641IU
(53%)
Vitamin C
12mg
(13%)
Calcium
171mg
(17%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Sodium | 6804mg | 284% |
| Potassium | 696mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 2641IU | 53% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 171mg | 17% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.