Korean Cucumber Kimchi
Healthy, spicy and refreshing, Quick Cucumber Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish of fermented vegetables that’s fast to make in minutes. Made with flavor packed seasonings, this simple salad is a great addition to just about anything.
Korean Cucumber Kimchi
We have a local sushi restaurant that has a ton of great Korean dishes, as well, so it’s a fun place to experiment with other less popular items that we wouldn’t otherwise order. Things like Bibimbap and Banchan have become big favorites on our dinner table but our newest obsession is the Korean Cucumber Kimchi! And it couldn’t be easier to duplicate in your own kitchen.
We always have cucumbers in the refrigerator because they make a fantastic snack all on their own. But give them a little extra love and attention, they can turn into something spectacular like a Quick Cucumber Kimchi.
If you’ve ever had traditional kimchi, this is very similar in flavor except made with cucumbers. It’s like, refreshing and so healthy!
What is Kimchi
Kimchi, a term meaning fermented vegetables, is a staple in Korean cuisine. A traditional side dish of salted and fermented Napa cabbage and Korean radish is made with a variety of seasonings including gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal.
It’s used as a seasoning, garnishment or accompaniment to many Korean recipes and we love adding it to our fried rice for a little punch.
This quick kimchi recipe is made with cucumbers giving it a more refreshing bite….sort of like a Korean pickle.
Ingredients You Need
- Cucumbers – I like English Cucumbers because they don’t need to be peeled or seeded. Regular cucumbers have a waxy, thick skin that needs to be removed and the seeds are difficult to digest.
- Onion – A sweeter variety onion, like Vidalia, works well in this recipe because it has a less peppery bite pairing perfectly with the spices.
- Gochugaru – A spice that’s made of chili flakes, similar to Crushed Red Pepper that’s used in Italian cuisine. You can find Gochurgaru in your spice aisle or substitute with the equivalent of crushed red pepper flakes.
Full ingredient list is available in the recipe card below.
How To Make Cucumber Kimchi
This quick Cucumber Kimchi recipe is crazy easy to make in just a few minutes. You’ll spend more time chopping the cucumbers and removing the seeds than you will stirring it all up. And it’s ready to go in just 30 minutes.
- Slice the cucumbers in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Cut the cucumbers into 1/2 inch slices. Add to a bowl.
- Thinly slice the onion. Add to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Toss the onion, cucumbers, garlic, grated apple and carrots.
- Whisk together the honey, gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes), fish sauce, soy sauce, minced ginger and sesame oil.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
Traditional Cucumber Kimchi does use Korean salted shrimps but they’re difficult to find at most grocery stores so I substituted that ingredient with the fish sauce.
Also, if you’ve never cooked with Gochugaru before it’s a spice that’s made of chili flakes, similar to Crushed Red Pepper that’s used in Italian cuisine. You can find Gochurgaru in your spice aisle or substitute with the equivalent of crushed red pepper flakes.
What Cucumbers To Use
If you can find them, use Korean cucumbers but I don’t find them often at our grocer. Any good pickling cucumber will work for this recipe, as will Kirby, Persian and English Cucumbers.
You can peel your cucumbers, if you prefer, but I feel they hold up better in the kimchi if they’re not peeled. The peel will soften the longer the cucumbers sit in the dressing.
What to Serve It With
Think of this is a Cucumber Kimchi Salad so it makes a great side dish but you can toss it into just about anything from your favorite slaw to your classic potato salad to spice things up.
We love to serve it with this Grilled Flank Steak or our favorite Teriyaki Salmon, too. Teriyaki Chicken is also, not to shabby, with a pile of kimchi alongside.
We also LOVE it with this Pork Katsu, it’s tangy, heat goes well with the crispy pork cutlet.
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More Easy Cucumber Recipes
- Cucumber Onion Salad
- The Best Cucumber Salad
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad with Cucumber and Blueberries
If you like this Cucumber Kimchi, you’ll also love this Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta Salad or give this Cucumber Salad a try. It’s light and refreshing. We also love this easy Tzatziki Sauce for putting on ALL THE THINGS.
Get the Recipe: Korean Cucumber Kimchi Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 English Cucumbers, or other cucumber suitable for pickling rinsed
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
- 2 Tbsps grated red apple or asian pear
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru, korean chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp Korean fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp minced ginger
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds.
- Chop the cucumber into 1/2 inch slices and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the carrots, onion and apple to the bowl with the cucumbers. Toss to combine.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochugaru, garlic, honey, fish sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the cucumbers and toss to combine.
- Allow the cucumbers to ferment for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Serve alongside your favorite recipes or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 30 days.
3 Comments on “Korean Cucumber Kimchi”
How much salt should be in here? Please update.
Where’s the salt? Knew it was probably left out by mistake but followed recipe to a t. Ha! Need salt. Fixing my Kim chee now.
Yep! Totally an oversight but thank you for letting me know!