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    Home » SIDE DISHES

    Korean Cucumber Salad

    Published: January 23, 2023 · Updated: February 13, 2023 by Ieva · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Cool as a cucumber or hot as a chilli pepper? Both! Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad has it all – fresh and crunchy vegetables are tossed with sweet, salty and fiery dressing! A perfect side salad for a summer BBQ or your favourite Korean dishes, this Korean Cucumber Salad comes together in 5 minutes and is low in calories!

    Take Me To:
    • What is Korean Cucumber Salad?
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Method
    • Variations
    • Recipe FAQs
    • What To Serve Korean Cucumber Salad With?
    • Our Favourite Korean Recipes
    • Other Salads That Make Perfect Side Dishes
    • Recipe Card

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    What is Korean Cucumber Salad?

    Korean spicy cucumber salad, also known as Oi Muchim is a popular side dish that is sometimes used as a quick kimchi substitute. Oi translates as “cucumber”, and muchim means “seasoned”. There are so many different variations of this salad, that you can definitely make it your own (see the variations section for ideas).

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    • long English cucumber: skin on, sliced into 2-3mm thick slices.
    • red bell pepper: completely optional, but we love it for the flavour and colour in this Asian Cucumber salad.
    • soy sauce: we used dark soy sauce. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, look for Tamari.
    • rice vinegar: can be substituted with white wine vinegar.
    • caster sugar: or white granulated sugar, but it will take longer to dissolve.
    • chilli powder: ideally, you want Korean red chilli powder (Gochugaru) for this recipe, but any chilli powder will work.
    • sesame seeds: could be substituted for nigella seeds.
    • spring onions: thinly sliced, alternatively use finely chopped red onion.
    Ingredients for Korean Cucumber Salad on a wooden chopping board.

    Method

    Slice the cucumber into thin 2-3mm thick rounds. Chop the spring onion and red pepper (if using) finely.

    Add cucumber, spring onion and bell pepper to a large bowl.

    Thinly sliced cucumber on a small wooden chopping board with red bell pepper in the background.

    In a separate small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, soy sauce, chilli powder, sugar and sesame seeds. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

    Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

    Variations

    Why not try this recipe by changing things up a bit:

    • Add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the dressing.
    • Replace spring onion with finely chopped red onion.
    • Add honey instead of sugar.
    • Skip the chilli powder and use Gochujang paste instead.

    Recipe FAQs

    What Cucumber is Best for Korean Cucumber Salad?

    Any cucumber with soft enough skin that doesn’t need peeling will work just fine! English, Persian or short garden-grown varieties will work in this recipe!

    Is Korean Cucumber Salad Gluten-Free?

    It can be if the soy sauce you choose is gluten-free. Look for Tamari (a type of soy sauce) – it is usually gluten-free.

    Asian cucumber salad in a bowl with blue pattern with black chopsticks resting on the rim.

    What To Serve Korean Cucumber Salad With?

    Korean Cucumber Salad is a great side dish to many Korean dishes including Gochujang Tofu, Bokkeumbap or Tofu Bulgogi. Still, it is versatile enough to use with other Asian or even Western-style dishes. Try this Korean Cucumber Salad with:

    • Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
    • Lamb Shashlik
    • Baked Salmon and Avocado Stuffed Pitta Pockets

    Our Favourite Korean Recipes

    If you are looking to make a Korean-inspired feast, look no further. Here are some of our favourite Korean recipes:

    • Korean Carrot Slaw
    • Tofu Bulgogi
    • Bokkeumbap
    • Bibimbap

    Other Salads That Make Perfect Side Dishes

    • Persian Shirazi Salad
    • Mizeria (Polish Cucumber Salad)
    • Raw Courgette Ribbon Salad with Tea & Honey Dressing
    • Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Mayo

    Recipe Card

    Korean Cucumber Salad in a white and blue pattern bowl with black chopcticks resting on the rim.

    Korean Cucumber Salad

    Cool as a cucumber or hot as a chilli pepper? Both! Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad has it all – fresh and crunchy vegetables are tossed with sweet, salty and fiery dressing! A perfect side salad for a summer BBQ or your favourite Korean dishes, this Korean Cucumber Salad comes together in 5 minutes and is low in calories!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine Korean
    Servings 4 as a side dish
    Calories 30 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 long cucumber thinly sliced
    • 2 spring onions thinly sliced
    • ¼ red pepper finely chopped (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • ¾ tablespoon caster sugar
    • ½ teaspoon chilli powder
    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

    Instructions
     

    • Add cucumber, spring onion and bell pepper to a large bowl.
    • In a separate small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, soy sauce, chilli powder, sugar and sesame seeds. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
    • Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 30kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 258mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 213IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Asian Side Dish, Korean Cucumber Salad, Korean Side Dish, Oi Muchim Recipe, Persian Tomato And Cucumber Salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Pin for Pinterest.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lily

      January 30, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      This Korean cucumber salad is the perfect spicy tangy salad for Korean barbecue or grilled meats. I’ve had it at a restaurant before, and so glad to have found the recipe on your blog! Thanks you!

      Reply
    2. Gina Abernathy

      February 05, 2023 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fresh tasting and refreshing salad. I had this with lunch and it was wonderful.

      Reply
      • Ieva

        February 06, 2023 at 8:56 am

        So glad! 💗

        Reply
    3. Ned

      February 15, 2023 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      That was delicious! I loved the flavors, can’t wait to make it again!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        February 15, 2023 at 6:12 pm

        Thanks, Ned!

        Reply
    4. TAYLER ROSS

      February 19, 2023 at 3:43 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite salad recipes! Quick and easy to make, and so full of flavor!

      Reply
    5. Mimi

      March 05, 2023 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      Such a refreshing salad. Looking forward to making it again!

      Reply

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    Hi, I am Ieva – the face behind this blog. I live in North Wales with my husband Seb and our golden retriever Sawyer. It’s safe to say that I live and breathe food: from researching and reading about food to creating new recipes and growing vegetables to use in my cooking.  The great thing is, Seb appreciates all the good meals that are also essential at his worst ‘hangry’ moments! Somebody HAS to feed Seb…

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