If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and offers a refreshing crunch, look no further than this Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe. Known as Oi Muchim in Korea, this salad brilliantly balances spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes while showcasing fresh cucumbers in their crisp glory. It’s the kind of side dish that effortlessly transforms a meal, whether paired with grilled meats, rice bowls, or simply enjoyed as a cool, zesty snack. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for quick, flavorful salads.

Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The wonderful thing about this Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe is how it uses just a handful of simple ingredients that elevate the dish in amazing ways. Each item plays a starring role, whether it’s adding crunch, heat, or a touch of savory brightness, coming together to create something truly special.

2 large cucumbers (preferably Korean or Persian, thinly sliced): These bring the refreshing crisp texture the salad is known for.
1 tsp salt: Helps draw out excess water from the cucumbers so they stay wonderfully crunchy.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens every bite with subtle acidity.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Provides savory depth and umami richness to the dressing.
1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma that complements the fresh cucumbers perfectly.
1–2 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes): Gives the salad its iconic spicy kick — adjust to taste.
1 tsp sugar: Balances the heat and acidity with just a touch of sweetness.
1 garlic clove (minced): Infuses the salad with a fragrant, savory punch.
1 green onion (thinly sliced): Adds fresh, mild oniony brightness and a pop of color.
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for extra texture and nutty flavor.

How to Make Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers

Begin by thinly slicing your cucumbers—Korean or Persian varieties work best for their thin skins and consistent crunch. Place them in a colander and sprinkle with salt, tossing gently to distribute evenly. Let them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which keeps your salad from getting soggy. Afterward, gently squeeze or pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove the released water. This step is crucial for that crisp, fresh bite.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochugaru, sugar, minced garlic, and green onion slices. This blend of ingredients is where all the magic happens, combining sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory into a harmonious dressing that clings to every cucumber slice.

Step 3: Toss cucumbers with the dressing

Add the prepared cucumbers into the bowl with your dressing and toss gently but thoroughly. Make sure every slice is well coated with that delicious sauce, ensuring an even flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Final touches and serving

Before serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful nuttiness and added texture. You can enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest, crunchiest experience, or chill it for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify.

How to Serve Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe

Garnishes

This salad shines with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro for an herbal lift. Thin strips of toasted seaweed also add an intriguing umami crunch that pairs perfectly with the spicy tang.

Side Dishes

Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with Korean BBQ meats like bulgogi or galbi, providing a cool counterpoint to rich, grilled flavors. It’s also fantastic alongside steamed rice and kimchi or as a crisp, vibrant element on a mezze-style spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in small individual bowls or even on crisp, toasted baguette slices for a fusion appetizer. You could also turn it into a light, spicy topping for fish tacos or wrap it inside lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld snack bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within one day to maintain that signature crunch and vibrant flavor before the cucumbers soften too much.

Freezing

This salad is not suited for freezing because the cucumbers will lose their crisp texture and become watery upon thawing. For best results, prepare this salad fresh each time you want that lively crunch.

Reheating

Since this is a no-cook, fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature to fully appreciate the bright, spicy, and tangy notes of the Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Korean or Persian cucumbers?

Absolutely! While Korean or Persian cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, regular cucumbers work fine too. Just thinly slice and consider peeling if the skin is thick or bitter to keep the salad crisp and tender.

How spicy is the salad with 1–2 teaspoons of gochugaru?

The spice level is moderate and warms your palate without overwhelming it. You can adjust the amount of gochugaru up or down depending on your heat tolerance, making it perfect for everyone’s taste.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

While the traditional recipe focuses on cucumbers, you can experiment by adding thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or even a handful of chopped fresh herbs to add variety and color.

Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients used are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and needs.

What’s the best way to eat this salad—right away or chilled?

Both ways are delicious! Eating it right away offers a crisp crunch, while chilling it for 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen, giving a slightly softer but incredibly flavorful bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Easy Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe that makes it a welcome addition to any meal. Its bright, spicy, and refreshing flavors are a testament to how simple ingredients can create unforgettable dishes. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do—it’s a little burst of Korean flavor that fits perfectly into busy weeknights and leisurely weekend feasts alike!