What are the key ingredients in Korean Cucumber Salad?

The main ingredients in Korean cucumber salad are cucumbers, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and Korean red chili flakes called gochugaru for heat. Optional add-ins include sesame seeds and sesame salt for that authentic Korean cucumber salad Maangchi touch.

How long does Korean Cucumber Salad keep?

Korean cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it's best enjoyed within the first day or two to maintain its crispness and fresh flavors, avoiding sogginess from the dressing.

Is Korean cucumber salad gochujang spicier than the classic version?

Yes, Korean cucumber salad gochujang uses the fermented chili paste for thicker, sweeter heat compared to gochugaru flakes—ideal for spicy Korean cucumber salad fans, but start with 1 tsp to control intensity.

Korean cucumber salad recipe: vegan or gluten-free options?

Fully vegan by default; for gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos in the Korean cucumber salad dressing. Pairs perfectly with our vegan quesadillas black beans avocado.

How many calories in Korean cucumber salad ingredients?

About 40-60 calories per serving (1 cup): low from cucumbers, boosted slightly by sesame oil and sugar—makes it a healthy high protein side when adding chickpeas or tuna.

Korean cucumber salad sesame oil: can I substitute?

Sesame oil is key for nutty depth in Korean cucumber salad sesame oil recipes, but substitute neutral oil + extra seeds if needed; skip for nut-free without losing much flavor.

Korean cucumber salad easy: no spiralizer needed?

Absolutely—Korean cucumber salad easy uses thin knife slices or mandoline; spiralizer is fun for visuals like TikTok, but not essential for great taste.

Korean cucumber salad viral: why is it trending on TikTok?

The Korean cucumber salad viral TikTok trend exploded for its 5-minute prep, smash-and-dress crunch, and customizable spice—Logan-style versions add feta for a twist.

Korean cucumber salad dressing: make-ahead tips?

Prep the Korean cucumber salad dressing up to 2 days ahead (soy, vinegar, gochujang, garlic), then toss with fresh cucumbers right before serving for max crispness.

Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe (Oi Muchim)

Description

This Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe is a cool, crunchy, and refreshing side dish made with mini cucumbers and a bold homemade Asian dressing. Make it spicy with gochujang or keep it slightly sweet for a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

6 mini cucumbers (Persian or cocktail varieties)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1–2 teaspoons gochujang or chili oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced

Instructions

Wash and thinly slice the mini cucumbers or spiralize for presentation.
Place cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Drain excess water and gently pat cucumbers dry.
In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang or chili oil, sesame oil, and sugar.
Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.
Add sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Toss lightly again before serving and adjust spice or sweetness if needed.

Notes

For extra crunch, serve within 24 hours. Adjust gochujang for preferred spice level. A spiralizer creates a fun TikTok-style presentation but thin slicing works perfectly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 60
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: korean cucumber salad recipe, korean cucumber salad, spicy korean cucumber salad, korean cucumber salad gochujang, easy cucumber salad