This is a really simple side dish that can be made up in minutes and refrigerated to let the flavors meld. It is based on the Chinese Dipping sauce with a few adjustments. For the Korean touch, just the addition of Gochugaru Chili Flakes with Green Onions & Sesame seeds for an incredibly easy Korean Cucumber Salad with such a beautiful color too.You can omit the Wasabi & Ginger if you prefer, but the combination of Wasabi, Soy Sauce, and Ginger is incredible. First, you experience the savory, salty, sweet, and sour flavors. Then, the Wasabi adds a fresh high note with a satisfying boost of heat. Either way you make it, it makes for an excellent side with various recipes whenever a fresh vegetable side is needed or just to snack on.
Servings: 1 portion
Equipment
- 1 Marinating Bowl
- 1 Mandolin or slice by hand
Ingredients
- 1 Cucumber
- As Needed Kosher or Sea Salt
- 2 Tbl Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar - each
- 1 Tbl Gochugaru Chili Flakes & Sugar - can use Brown sugar or Honey
- 1/2 Tbl Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, & Mirin - each, can replace mirin with 1 tsp sugar
- 1 Stalk Green Onion - Optional
- 2 Cloves Garlic - minced — Optional
- 1/8 tsp Ginger Powder & Wasabi - or more for heat — Optional, can use minced Ginger
Instructions
- Salt Rub: Place in your hand Kosher or Sea Salt and rub the Cucumber. Twist the cucumber in your hand, sanding or rubbing the exterior until a green paste forms in your hand. Then rinse the Cucumber and slice to the desired thickness and toss into the marinating bowl.
- Combine: Add the remaining ingredients into the bowl and mix well. Serve right away, or refrigerate to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
Adjust the ingredients as you see fit for your taste preference.
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- Salt: Adjust Sea Salt or Soy Sauce. Salt can also be applied to the cucumber slices to draw out moisture. Salt the Cucumbers and leave them sit to draw out excess moisture. About 1/2 tsp per cucumber and about 10–15 minutes. Then rinse and pat dry.
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- Sweet: Adjust Sugar and type, such as using Brown Sugar or Honey
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- Sour: Adjust Vinegar and type. White Vinegar will give a much more punch of acidity. Whereas the Rice Vinegar is nice and tame.
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- Spiciness: Add Wasabi & Ginger. Optionally increase the Chili Flakes for spicy or omit Wasabi and include or omit the ginger and/or reduce the Chili Flakes.
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- Savoriness: Adjust Ginger, Garlic and optionally add thinly sliced Onions.