Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. In a large bowl, add thinly sliced cucumbers and sprinkle with salt. Toss well and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess water.
3. Drain the cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Add the chili sauce to the cucumbers and toss well to coat.
5. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve.
10 minutes
5. Temperature: None
Serving size: 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 68
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 387mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gochujang can be substituted with any chili paste or hot sauce.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Sesame oil can be substituted with any neutral oil.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or scallions for extra flavor.
- Add sliced red bell peppers for color and crunch.
- Add sliced carrots for sweetness and texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumbers.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your preference for spiciness.
- Letting the cucumbers sit with salt helps to draw out excess water and prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions: None
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cucumber salad in a large bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced scallions
Pairings:
- Serve with grilled meats or fish.
- Serve as a side dish with rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Korean-style fried chicken
- Stir-fried vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad becomes too watery, drain the excess liquid before serving.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the cucumbers thoroughly before slicing.
Food history:
- Cucumber with chili sauce is a popular Korean side dish, also known as "oi muchim."
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
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Region: Korean