Korean Cucumber Salad

Do you love cucumbers? If so, you have to try this Korean cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers that are crisp, spicy, and packed with flavor. You also might know this cucumber recipe as oi muchim. This is a crunchy snack or side dish you have to try.

This cucumber salad is often served with a bowl of rice, and your choice of main dish. You can also serve it up as a side dish for a summer cookout, take to a potluck, etc.

Now we also have our classic cucumber and onion salad if you want a more traditional cucumber recipe. Either way, both recipes are phenomenal.

This Korean Cucumber Salad Is..

• Crunchy
• Fresh Ingredients
• Easy to Make
• Quick Prep

Ingredients You Will Need

Cucumber – English cucumber or Kirby cucumber.

Onion – White onion, finely minced.

Green Onion – Thinly sliced.

Soy Sauce – Or coconut aminos for soy free alternative.

Rice Vinegar – Unseasoned rice vinegar.

Sugar – Granulated sugar.

Sesame Oil – Use 1/2 teaspoon for less flavor if you want.

Sesame Seeds – Roast seeds for additional flavor if you want.

Red Pepper Flakes – Gochugaru red pepper flakes are a Korean red pepper.

Salt – Table salt or sea salt works.

Helpful Tools For Recipe

Mandoline – Creates thinly sliced cucumbers for the recipe.

Whisk – Use a whisk for mixing up the sauce of the cucumbers.

How to Make

Full steps on how to make this Korean cucumber salad is in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. Just scroll to the bottom of the post.

Step 1: Slice Cucumbers and Green Onions

Thinly slice the cucumbers, green onion, and mince garlic and white onion. Add into a medium sized bowl.

Step 2: Mix Up Sauce

Next you will grab a smaller bowl and add the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Stir To Combine and Serve

Pour the sauce over the cucumbers and toss to coat. Then serve the cucumbers immediately.

Storing

While this spicy cucumber salad Korean flavored is best served fresh, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. Just toss the salad and serve and enjoy.

Practical notes

What are the best cucumbers for the recipe?

The goal is to reach for a crunchy cucumber. We prefer to use an English cucumber or Kirby or pickling cucumbers. You will find this is best to serve the cucumber salad fresh, so you get the crunchy texture of the cucumbers.

What can we substitute for Korean gochugaru?

For this recipe we would add 1/4 teaspoon of paprika with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to create a similar flavor the the Gochugaru.

What does oi muchim mean?

Oi means cucumber, and muchim means mixed with seasoning. So it is a cucumber dish mixed with seasonings!

What is Gochugaru Korean chili flakes?

This brand of chili flakes is so different than a classic red chili flake. The chili flakes are dried in the sun and then chopped and stored. The flavor is unique, spicy, and good for these cucumbers!

More Side Dishes

Want more side dish recipes? Check out these easy and sides that will compliment your main dish nicely.

• Roasted Cauliflower
• Broccoli Salad
• Cheesy Corn
• Tomato Salad

Printable Recipe Card

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 1 large English Cucumber, 1/4" thick
• 1/4 cup white onion, finely minced
• 1 green onion, sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce, (or coconut aminos)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, unseasoned
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Gochugaru red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Mandoline optional
• Mincer optional
• Whisk

Method

1. In a bowl you are going to add your thinly sliced cucumbers, minced garlic, minced onion, and sliced green onions.
2. In a small bowl add your soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, red pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Pour the sauce over the cucumber and toss well.
4. Serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

Cucumbers

– Use English cucumber, Kirby or pickling cucumbers. Red Pepper Flakes – If you can’t find this brand do classic red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika with the pepper. Salt – Season to taste, you can do less or more if you would like.