Refreshing Cucumber Kimchi Salad Recipe

Hang onto your taste buds, folks, because we’re grounded in Korea with the Refreshing Cucumber Kimchi Salad. A harmony of salty, spicy, and tangy elements is sure to awaken all your senses at once. It is a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or a bold snack for Korean drama binge nights. Incredibly easy to make, this light and healthy salad packs a punch with its tangy yet exquisitely spicy flavor. If you are a fan of Korean cuisine or love to play with flavors, the Refreshing Cucumber Kimchi Salad is bound to become a new favorite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A (no cook recipe)
• Total Time: 15 minutes + marinating
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Yield: Around 3 cups

Get your apron on! We’re about to embark on a Korean culinary journey. Saucy perilla leaves and crunchy cucumber; get ready to toss them up!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 cup of kimchi (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• 2 scallions (chopped)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife

How To Make Refreshing Cucumber Kimchi Salad

1. Start by slicing the cucumber into thin pieces. Make sure to keep the slices as even as possible.
2. Put the cucumber slices into a bowl and add the kimchi, Korean red pepper flakes, and soy sauce.
3. Stir it all to combine and ensure that the cucumber slices are well coated with the seasonings. The longer you allow it to marinate, the more flavorful it will be.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.

Tips For The Best Results

• Use a mandoline to get uniformly thin slices of cucumber.
• Allow the salad to marinate for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together nicely.

Storage Tips

• Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It can keep up to 2 days, but it’s best when fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of cucumber?
A: Yes, you can use any variety of cucumber, although the English cucumber works best due to its thin skin and less watery flesh.

Q: What if I don’t have sesame seeds?
A: While sesame seeds add a nice touch, they are not the heart of this recipe. You can go without them without a problem, or substitute with chia seeds.

Q: How spicy is this dish? Can I make it less/more spicy?
A: The spiciness level depends on the amount of gochugaru you add. Feel free to adjust it based on your preference.

Q: Can I make a larger batch for future use?
A: Yes, you can. Store the leftovers properly to keep them fresh.

Q: Can I make this salad if I’m not a spice lover at all?
A: Of course, you can! Just eliminate the gochugaru and soy sauce and use a mild flavored kimchi.

Nutritional Facts of Refreshing Cucumber Kimchi Salad

Average nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 25
• Fat: 0.4g
• Carbohydrates: 3.8g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Fiber: 1g

This Refreshing Cucumber Kimchi Salad ends up being cooler than you’d think, despite all the heat it’s packing. Whether you’re in for a bit of K-play in your kitchen or you just love a good, light salad that holds up well, this just might end up being your new jam. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to serve the salad chilled! Bon App��tit!