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Spicy Soy‑Marinated Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Pine Nuts

A crunchy and refreshing cucumber salad tossed in a spicy soy-based marinade with nutty sesame oil and toasted pine nuts for extra depth of flavor. A simple yet elegant side dish with Korean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic, scallions, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar to make the marinade.
  3. Add cucumbers to the marinade and toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Top with sesame seeds and pine nuts before serving.

Notes

  • Serve chilled for maximum crunch and flavor.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or less gochugaru.
  • Pairs perfectly with rice, grilled meats, or other Korean-inspired dishes.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, soy marinated cucumbers, Korean cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, vegan side dish