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!
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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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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:
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:
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
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.
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Nutrition
Lily
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!
Gina Abernathy
Such a fresh tasting and refreshing salad. I had this with lunch and it was wonderful.
Ieva
So glad! 💗
Ned
That was delicious! I loved the flavors, can’t wait to make it again!
Ieva
Thanks, Ned!
TAYLER ROSS
This is one of my favorite salad recipes! Quick and easy to make, and so full of flavor!
Mimi
Such a refreshing salad. Looking forward to making it again!