Name: Tik Tok Korean Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 green onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust.

Craving a refreshing and flavorful side dish? This TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad is the perfect answer! Crisp cucumbers meet a zesty, slightly spicy dressing, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine, this salad is incredibly easy to make and is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad

This salad is more than just cucumbers and dressing. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes!
Refreshing: The perfect light and crisp salad for any occasion.
Bold Flavors: A delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy.
Healthy: Packed with vitamins and low in calories.
Versatile: Pairs well with almost any main course.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for Korean Cucumber Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious salad. Remember, quality ingredients make a world of difference!

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 400g)
1/4 cup rice vinegar (60ml)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (15ml)
1 tablespoon sugar (12g)
1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (5g)
1 clove garlic, minced (3g)
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated (2g)
1 green onion, thinly sliced (15g)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (8g)

Tips: Choose firm cucumbers for the best crunch. Lightly toasting the sesame seeds before adding them enhances their nutty flavor.

Where to Buy: You can find gochugaru at most Asian grocery stores or online. Look for a vibrant red color, which indicates freshness. For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and ginger.

This meticulous ingredient selection ensures every bite bursts with freshness and flavor!

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential: Knife or mandoline for slicing cucumbers. A sharp knife ensures uniform slices, while a mandoline provides consistent thickness.
Essential: Cutting board to protect your countertop.
Essential: Medium bowl for mixing the salad.
Essential: Whisk to combine the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
Essential: Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements.

Recipe Details

Korean cucumber salad, sliced and seasoned.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a larger group. Just make sure you have a big enough bowl!

Step-by-Step Instructions for TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad

Follow these simple steps to create your own flavorful TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad. Each step is designed to ensure perfect results!

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Thinly slice the cucumbers. You can use a mandoline for even slices, or a sharp knife. Consistent thickness is key for uniform texture and flavor.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, gochugaru, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined. This ensures a balanced flavor profile.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Add the sliced cucumbers and green onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers are well coated. Ensure the dressing is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Chill

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling also helps the cucumbers to crisp up, enhancing the overall texture of the salad.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad chilled and enjoy! This Korean Cucumber Salad is perfect as a side dish or a light snack. Garnish with extra sesame seeds for an added touch.

CHECK OUT: Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – A refreshing twist on a classic salad.

Tips for Success

Here are some insider tips to elevate your TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad to perfection:

Cucumber Prep: For extra crispiness, salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and patting dry. This removes excess moisture.
Flavor Balancing: Adjust the amount of gochugaru to your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
Marinating Time: The longer the salad marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. However, don’t marinate for more than a few hours, as the cucumbers can become too soft.
Sesame Oil: Use good quality sesame oil for the best flavor. Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty depth to the dressing.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this recipe to your liking with these simple variations:

Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Sweet: Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar.
Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian!
Vegan: Ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.

Unleash your creativity and make this salad truly your own!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Korean Cucumber Salad

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider these serving suggestions:

- Main Courses: Perfect alongside grilled meats, fish, or tofu.
- Korean BBQ: An essential side dish for a Korean BBQ feast.
- Rice Bowls: Add to rice bowls for extra flavor and texture.

Spicy and refreshing cucumber TikTok recipe.

Snack: Enjoy as a refreshing snack on a hot day.

Elevate your meal with this vibrant and flavorful side!

Health Benefits of Korean Cucumber Salad

Beyond its delicious taste, this salad offers numerous health benefits:

Hydration: Cucumbers are mostly water, helping you stay hydrated.
Vitamins: Rich in vitamins K and C, essential for overall health.
Low Calories: A guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful salad.
Fiber: Cucumbers provide dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

This salad is a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet!

Storage & Reheating

To ensure your salad stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cucumbers will lose their texture.

Proper storage ensures maximum flavor and texture!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! However, it’s best to add the dressing shortly before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming too soft. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Can I use different types of cucumbers?

Absolutely! English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or even garden cucumbers will work. Just make sure to slice them thinly.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the label of your soy sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Sliced carrots, bell peppers, or radishes would be delicious additions.

How spicy is this salad?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochugaru you use. Adjust to your personal preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 8g
Protein: 3g

Discover More Delightful Dishes

Craving more refreshing and flavorful salads? Explore these other fantastic recipes:

Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad – A flavorful twist that combines the sweetness of corn with the freshness of cucumber.
Thai Chicken Salad – A zesty and vibrant salad with chicken, herbs, and a delicious peanut dressing.
Cucumber Feta Salad – A light and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad with cucumber, feta, and herbs.

Conclusion

This TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to make, incredibly refreshing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your culinary masterpiece!

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Tik Tok Korean Cucumber Salad