Best Korean Cucumber Salad recipe (vegan)
The best spicy Korean Cucumber salad - Hello crunchy cucumber, red onions, fresh herbs, roasted nuts, and spices. Your regular salad just got a major delicious overhaul. This might just be the best vegan Korean Cucumber salad ever. I’m not just saying that. It’s something I hear over and over again every time I serve this spicy crunchy salad. This salad pretty much has it all. Imagine fresh juicy and crunchy cucumbers wrapped in a spicy chili dressing, and topped with crunchy roasted nuts, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 Cucumbers Sliced
- 4-5 Korean Dates (or Oil-packed Sun-dried Tomatoes) Chopped
- 1 Green onion, or 1/2 Red Onion Thinly Sliced
- 2-3 tbsp Sesame Seeds Toasted
- 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 3 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- ½ tbsp Vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic Finely Chopped
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro or Fresh Basil Chopped
- ½ cup Roasted Peanuts or Almonds (optional topping) Chopped
Instructions
How to make Korean Cucumber salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the aromatic toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, tangy vinegar, and the delightful sweet chili sauce.
- Slice the Cucumbers: Trim the ends of the fresh cucumbers and slice them lengthwise down the center. Proceed to cut the cucumbers into medium-thin slices. Place them in a spacious bowl.
- Add Flavorful Ingredients: Top the sliced cucumbers with thinly sliced red onions for a touch of sharpness, chopped Korean dates (or oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes) for a sweet contrast, and chopped nuts (like roasted peanuts or almonds for crunch). Sprinkle in some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to enhance the aroma.
- Drizzle and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating of the flavorful dressing.
- Season to Taste: Taste and add salt if needed, then toss again to combine all the ingredients harmoniously.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal. Now, it's ready to be served and enjoyed.
- This Korean Cucumber Salad recipe offers a refreshing blend of flavors and textures. It's an ideal side dish to complement a variety of Korean meals. Enjoy its crisp cucumbers, sweet dates, and nutty sesame undertones.
Notes
How to prepare Jujubes
Here’s how you can use them:
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jujubes: Start by soaking dried jujubes in warm water for about 15-20 minutes to soften them. Once they’ve softened, drain them.
2. Slice or Dice: Slice the softened jujubes into thin strips or dice them into small pieces, depending on your preference and the texture you want in your cucumber salad.
3. Mix with Cucumbers: Add the sliced or diced jujubes to your cucumber salad along with the cucumbers.
4. Season: Adjust the seasoning of your cucumber salad to balance the sweetness of the jujubes. You might need to reduce the amount of sugar or other sweet elements in your dressing or seasoning.
5. Additional Flavors: Depending on your recipe, you can also enhance the flavor by adding a touch of sesame oil, soy sauce, or vinegar to complement the jujubes and cucumbers.
Jujubes will bring a delightful sweetness and a chewy texture to your Korean cucumber salad, creating a unique twist on the traditional dish without the use of sun-dried tomatoes. Adjust the quantity of jujubes to your taste, keeping in mind the balance of flavors in the salad.