🥒🔥 Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad
📝 Description
This Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It combines the cooling crunch of fresh cucumber with a punchy, umami-rich Korean-inspired dressing made with gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), soy, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. A perfect side dish for Korean BBQ, grilled meats, or even as a quick, light snack on a hot day.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers 🥒 (spiral-cut, thinly sliced, or julienned)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce 🧂
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar 🍶
- 1 tsp sesame oil 🌿
- 1 tsp sugar 🍬
- 1 tbsp gochugaru 🌶️ (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp minced garlic 🧄
- 1 tsp sesame seeds ⚪
- Optional: chopped green onion 🌱 for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers:
Spiralize, thinly slice, or julienne the cucumbers. If they’re very watery, lightly salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid for a crisper salad. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, gochugaru, and minced garlic. - Toss to coat:
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently until well coated. - Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or chill for 10–15 minutes for deeper flavor.
🧠 Notes & Tips
- Gochugaru Substitution: If you don’t have gochugaru, you can use crushed red pepper flakes (less sweet and slightly harsher heat).
- Less heat? Start with 1/2 tbsp gochugaru and taste before adding more.
- More umami? Add a splash of fish sauce or a touch of miso paste to the dressing.
- Add crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or roasted seaweed strips for texture.
- Make it a meal: Add shredded chicken, tofu, or glass noodles to turn it into a light lunch.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 2–3 side dish servings or 1 large personal serving
🔬 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: ~350mg (depends on soy sauce used)
Note: This is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb side dish!
🌟 Health Benefits
- 🥒 Hydrating & low-calorie – Cucumbers are 95% water, making this salad great for hydration and weight management.
- 🌶️ Boosts metabolism – Gochugaru and garlic may support metabolism and circulation.
- 🌿 Anti-inflammatory – Sesame oil and garlic offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- 🍽️ Digestive-friendly – Vinegar and garlic support gut health.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but for best texture, enjoy within 1–2 hours. After that, cucumbers can release water and get soggy.
Q: What kind of cucumbers work best?
A: Persian or English cucumbers are ideal — thin-skinned and low in seeds.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, it’s naturally vegan and dairy-free.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Drain any liquid before serving again.
Q: Is gochugaru very spicy?
A: Gochugaru is typically mild-to-medium in heat with a smoky sweetness. Adjust quantity to suit your spice tolerance.