Spicy Kimchi Cucumbers: A Quick & Easy Recipe
Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion? This spicy kimchi cucumber recipe is quick, easy, and perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack. It's the perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy – guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds! Forget those boring cucumber salads; this is a whole new level of delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference!
- Cucumbers: 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
- Kimchi: 1 cup kimchi, finely chopped (the spicier, the better!)
- Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup (or to taste) – for that tangy punch!
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons (or to taste) – balances the acidity
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1-2 tablespoons (or to taste) – adds that signature Korean heat! Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – for a pungent aroma and flavor
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated – adds warmth and depth
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon – for a nutty, fragrant finish
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional) – for added texture and visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is incredibly straightforward and won't take long at all.
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Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice your cucumbers. The thinner the slices, the better they'll absorb the flavors. You can even use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even slices.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, rice vinegar, sugar, gochugaru, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Marinate the Cucumbers: Add the sliced cucumbers to the kimchi mixture. Gently toss to coat the cucumbers completely with the marinade.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer they marinate (up to 2 hours), the more intense the flavor will become.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional) for added texture and visual appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy this incredibly flavorful and refreshing dish!
Tips & Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru according to your spice preference. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter kimchi cucumber, add more sugar. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Acidity: Similarly, adjust the amount of rice vinegar to control the level of tartness.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other additions, such as thinly sliced carrots, red onions, or even some chopped green onions for extra freshness.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This spicy kimchi cucumber recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick snack, a refreshing side dish, or even a unique appetizer, it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen! So, grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a flavor sensation!
