I love recipes that are simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. That’s exactly why I became obsessed with this TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad the first time I saw it. It looked crunchy, spicy, and full of bold flavors, and I knew I had to try it.
The first time I made it, I was hooked. The crisp cucumbers, the savory and slightly spicy dressing, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors made it one of the best side dishes I’ve ever had. And the best part? It takes less than 10 minutes to make.
Now, I always make this Korean cucumber salad—whether serving it with grilled meats, rice bowls, or just snacking on it straight from the bowl. It’s the kind of dish that’s light, refreshing, and full of bold flavors that keep you returning for more.
If you love quick and easy salads that are packed with spice, crunch, and tangy flavors, this recipe is a must-try!
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 15mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I first saw this Korean Cucumber Salad on TikTok. I noticed that so many people were making it, raving about how easy and delicious it was. I had to try it for myself.
After trying a few different versions, I found my favorite way to make it—extra crunchy, perfectly balanced with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little heat from gochujang (Korean chili flakes).
Now, this is my go-to cucumber salad whenever I need something quick and refreshing. It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple but so flavorful, and I love that I can make it in just minutes.
Why Cucumber Salad?
There are so many reasons why this cucumber salad is one of my favorites:
- Super Quick & Easy – You only need a few minutes and some simple ingredients.
- Crisp & Refreshing – The cucumbers stay crunchy, even after sitting in the dressing.
- Sweet, Savory & Spicy – A perfect balance of flavors.
- Pairs Well With Everything – It’s great as a side dish for grilled meats, rice bowls, or even as a snack.
- Healthy & Light – Low in calories but full of bold flavors.
If you love fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, this Korean cucumber salad will be your new favorite!
What Is Cucumber Salad Made Of?
This Korean-style cucumber salad is made with just a handful of simple ingredients, but they all come together to create an incredibly flavorful dish.
- Cucumbers – Korean cucumbers work best, but you can use Persian or English cucumbers.
- Salt – Helps draw out excess moisture for a crunchier texture.
- Soy Sauce – Adds a rich, umami flavor.
- Rice Vinegar – Gives the salad a tangy balance.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty depth of flavor.
- Sugar – A little sweetness balances out the salty and spicy elements.
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) – Brings the perfect amount of heat.
- Garlic – Adds bold flavor.
- Sesame Seeds – For a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
- Green Onions – For freshness and extra flavor.
This combination makes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors!
What to Have with Cucumber Salad
This salad is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with:
- Grilled Meats – Goes great with Korean BBQ, grilled chicken, or beef bulgogi.
- Rice Bowls – A fresh contrast to rich, savory dishes.
- Noodles – Serve it with cold soba noodles or ramen.
- Kimchi & Other Banchan – Pairs well with other Korean side dishes.
- As a Snack – Eat it straight from the bowl—it’s that good!
No matter how you serve it, this cucumber salad is always a hit.
Is Cucumber Salad Healthy?
Yes! This Korean cucumber salad is super healthy and low in calories.
- Cucumbers are hydrating and full of vitamins.
- Low in calories but packed with flavor.
- Contains healthy fats from sesame oil.
- No heavy sauces or creams—just simple, fresh ingredients.
If you want a light, refreshing side dish that’s both flavorful and healthy, this is a great option!
Kitchen Equipment
You don’t need much to make this salad—just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Cutting board & knife – For slicing the cucumbers.
- Mixing bowl – To toss everything together.
- Measuring spoons – For the sauce ingredients.
- Spoon or tongs – To mix everything evenly.
Ingredients
- 2 Korean cucumbers (or Persian/English cucumbers)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (adjust for spice level)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds.
- Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Rinse off the salt and pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, gochugaru, and minced garlic.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until well-coated.
Step 4: Let It Marinate & Serve
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to an hour before serving.
Tips
- Use Korean cucumbers if possible—they’re crunchier and have fewer seeds.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochugaru.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors soak in.
- Make it ahead of time—it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced onions or shredded carrots.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes! Just remove some of the seeds if they’re too watery.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It’s best fresh, but you can keep it for up to 2 days.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes! Add more gochugaru or a dash of sriracha.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the seasonings to taste.
Conclusion
This TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad is one of the easiest and most flavorful side dishes you can make. It’s crunchy, slightly spicy, tangy, and refreshing—perfect for pairing with grilled meats, rice bowls, or even as a quick snack.
Try this recipe once, and I promise—you’ll be making it again and again!
MORE RECIPES
TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon or tongs
Ingredients
- 2 Korean cucumbers (or Persian/English cucumbers)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (adjust for spice level)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds.
- Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Rinse off the salt and pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, gochugaru, and minced garlic.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until well coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to an hour before serving.