Quick & Tangy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Chefs around the world cherish this spicy cucumber salad recipe as a refreshing summer staple.

Crisp vegetables dance with zesty seasonings, creating a vibrant dish that awakens taste buds.

Cool cucumber slices bring surprising heat and complex flavors to your plate.

Summer gatherings become memorable when you serve this simple yet dynamic salad.

A handful of ingredients merge into something extraordinary with minimal preparation time.

Bright colors and intense spices promise a delightful culinary adventure that will impress anyone at the table.

Let’s jump into a recipe that turns ordinary cucumbers into an unforgettable sensation.

How to Keep Spicy Cucumber Salad Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep chilled for up to 2 days. Cucumber texture might become softer over time.
• Before serving stored salad, drain any excess liquid that has collected to maintain crispness.
• Sprinkle fresh sesame seeds and gently toss salad before serving to revive its original zesty flavor and appearance.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.

Pairings for Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Complement the salad's spicy kick with a chilled, slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the heat and enhances the cucumber's refreshing qualities.
• Serve alongside grilled Korean-style short ribs or bulgogi to match the gochugaru and soy sauce flavor profile, creating a harmonious main course and side dish combination.
• Add grilled shrimp or seared tofu to transform the cucumber salad into a light, protein-packed meal that absorbs the zesty dressing while providing extra texture and nutrition.
• Prepare a simple steamed white rice topped with extra sesame seeds to soak up the spicy dressing and provide a neutral base that highlights the salad's vibrant flavors.

Flavor Variations for Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari for a reduced salt option while maintaining savory flavor.
• Herb-Infused Cucumber Salad: Add fresh chopped dill, mint, or cilantro to enhance the salad's aromatic profile and introduce bright, fresh notes.
• Vegan-Friendly Adaptation: Swap honey with agave nectar or maple syrup to create a plant-based friendly dressing that retains the original sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Cucumber Salad: Omit honey and use monk fruit sweetener, increasing healthy fats by adding sliced avocado or toasted almonds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Spicy Cucumber Salad FAQs

• What is gochugaru and where can I find it?

Gochugaru is a Korean red chili pepper powder with a slightly sweet, smoky flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, international markets, or online specialty food retailers.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cucumber salad up to 2 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• How do I prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy?

By salting the cucumbers and letting them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, you draw out excess moisture, which helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents a watery salad.

• Is this salad spicy?

The spice level is moderate, with red pepper flakes and gochugaru providing a warm heat. You can adjust the amount of chili peppers to make it milder or more intense according to your preference.

What Makes Spicy Cucumber Salad So Refreshing

• Fastest Cucumber Side Dish highlights how this salad takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks needing a speedy, delicious accompaniment.
• Easily adjust red pepper flakes and gochugaru to create mild or fiery versions, making the recipe adaptable for different spice preferences and family members' taste buds.
• This no-heat recipe means anyone can prepare it without turning on the stove, offering a cool, refreshing side dish that's foolproof for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Loaded with fresh ingredients like cucumbers, green onions, and ginger, this salad delivers a healthy, low-calorie option bursting with vitamins and vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients for Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that forms the base of the salad, best when firm and dark green.
• Green Onions: Adds sharp, fresh flavor and provides a light crunch to the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami foundation for the dressing.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers tangy brightness and helps balance the flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty undertone to the dressing.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness to counteract the spicy elements.

• Garlic: Provides deep, pungent flavor to the dressing.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Gochugaru: Adds heat and complex spiciness, with gochugaru offering a distinctly Korean chili flavor.
• Ginger: Contributes a warm, slightly sharp taste to the dressing.

• Salt: Helps draw out moisture from cucumbers and enhances overall seasoning.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers nutty flavor and pleasant textural garnish.

How to Toss Together Spicy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep Crisp Cucumber Base

• Grab fresh cucumbers
• Slice into delicate thin rounds
• Place slices in a colander
• Dust with salt
• Let sit for 10 minutes to release moisture
• Gently pat dry with paper towel

Step 2: Craft Fiery Flavor Blend

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Gochugaru
• Grated ginger

Whisk ingredients until smoothly integrated

Step 3: Assemble Vibrant Salad

• Transfer cucumber slices to large mixing bowl
• Chop fresh green onions
• Add green onions to cucumber
• Pour spicy dressing over vegetables
• Toss thoroughly to coat evenly

Step 4: Final Flavor Touch

• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top
• Serve immediately for crisp texture
• Or let marinate 15 minutes for deeper taste sensation

Tips for Making Spicy Cucumber Salad Just Right

• Drain Moisture Effectively: Let sliced cucumbers sit with salt to remove excess water, ensuring a crisp and non-watery salad texture.
• Adjust Spice Level Wisely: Customize red pepper flakes and gochugaru amounts to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spicy experience.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow salad to marinate for 15 minutes before serving, letting ingredients meld and intensify the taste profile.
• Serve Chilled and Fresh: Prepare just before serving for maximum crunchiness and vibrant flavors, keeping the cucumber's natural refreshing qualities.
• Explore Dietary Variations: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan options or use gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate different dietary needs.

Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad delivers a zesty punch of fresh flavors and crisp textures. Refreshing cucumbers dance with chili heat, creating a perfect summer side dish that cools and excites you with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers (or 4 mini cucumbers), thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon salt (for sweating the cucumbers)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra heat)

Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Drain excess moisture from cucumber slices by sprinkling salt and allowing them to rest for a short period, then gently blot with a paper towel to remove water.
2. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together a harmonious blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, gochugaru, and freshly grated ginger.
3. Transfer the prepared cucumber slices and thinly sliced green onions into a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Generously coat the cucumber and green onion mixture with the spicy dressing, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated.
5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and visual appeal.
6. Serve the salad immediately for a crisp, refreshing experience, or allow it to marinate for 15 minutes to intensify the flavors and create a more nuanced taste profile.

Notes

• Drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery salad, ensuring crisp and vibrant texture.
• Select fresh, firm cucumbers for maximum crunch and best flavor absorption.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and gochugaru according to personal heat tolerance.
• Quick marinating allows deeper flavor penetration without compromising cucumber’s refreshing qualities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg