Salting the cucumber is recommended, as it helps to release some of the water from the cucumber and makes sure it has a desirable crispy texture for the final salad.
However, if you’re short on time, you don’t have to follow this step. The salad will still taste just as good, it’ll only lack slightly in the crispiness of the texture.
When choosing the variety of cucumber to use for the salad opt for a type such as an English cucumber. With sweet firm flesh, thin skin, and minimal seeds, it’s one of the better varieties to marinate for this salad.
Other styles, including Japanese cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, will also be suitable, boasting similar properties to the English cucumber. Take care to slice the cucumbers into thick rounds. If they’re too thin then you may find they lose a lot of their crunch after being mixed with the dressing.
In the recipe above we’ve suggested finishing the salad with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. To add even more crunch to the salad, you could try toasting the seeds before garnishing the dish. It’s also possible to top the salad with herbs, such as cilantro, to enhance the flavors and introduce a final burst of freshness to the recipe.
Ingredient Swaps and Spice Levels
The Gochugaru chili flakes are a key element in the list of Korean cucumber salad ingredients. Sweet, smoky, and moderately spicy, they provide the dish with that authentic taste of Korean cooking.
With a fruity undertone, it’s a unique spice and is considered mild to medium on the Scoville scale. If you’re struggling to find this ingredient in your local grocery store, then you can swap in red pepper flakes or Aleppo chili, but it will lack that authenticity. Gochugaru chili is one of the key Korean cooking staples to have in your pantry so it’s worth taking the time to hunt it out if you intend to explore other Korean dishes at home.
If you’re short on honey, you can swap in other ingredients, including granulated sugar or maple syrup. Maple syrup will add earthier and more complex flavors to your salad, and blends perfectly with the balance of flavors, comparable to honey.
How to Plate It
You don’t need to worry about fancy presentation for this salad. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and serve guests from your favorite salad bowl in the center of the table family-style.
It’s a great accompaniment for grilled foods and alongside popular Korean dishes, such as chicken wings or bibimbap. It’s delicious as an appetizer too when hosting guests, for a tangy and flavorful start to a dinner at home.
If you wish to plate it in a traditional Korean manner, divide the salad into small bowls to enjoy with your entrees. In Korea this style of dish is known as a banchan.
