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Gochujang Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 36 reviews

A refreshing and spicy Korean-inspired salad featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a flavorful gochujang-based dressing. This quick and easy recipe combines tangy vinegar, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect side dish or snack to brighten any meal.

Ingredients

Cucumber Salad

  • 6 baby or Persian cucumbers
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Dressing

  • 1/4 small white onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup gochujang paste
  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

  1. Prep the cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds approximately 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Place them in a colander over the sink, sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, and toss to coat. Allow the cucumbers to sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Let them drain completely.
  2. Make the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced white onion, gochujang paste, gochugaru chili flakes, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Stir vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and all ingredients are well blended. Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
  3. Add the cucumbers: Toss the drained cucumbers into the prepared dressing until they are thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Use Persian or baby cucumbers for a crisp texture and thin skin that doesn’t require peeling.
  • Allowing the cucumbers to sit with salt helps remove excess water, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; the cucumbers will soften over time.
  • Adjust the amount of gochugaru or honey to modify the spiciness and sweetness according to your taste.
  • Gochujang paste is a Korean fermented chili paste available at Asian grocery stores or online.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/gochujang-cucumber-salad-recipe/