Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers (about 300g), thinly sliced 2 medium cucumbers (about 300g), thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 60 kcal / 251 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
3. 3.
   Add the cucumber slices to the dressing and toss gently to coat them evenly. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Before serving, sprinkle the sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Toss lightly to incorporate the garnishes.
5. 5.
   Serve the Geotjeori chilled as a refreshing side dish or accompaniment to your favorite Korean meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumbers — Make sure to slice the cucumbers thinly for a crisp texture. Removing excess moisture by salting and rinsing them helps to maintain their crunchiness.
• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Grating it finely ensures it blends well with the dressing.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This enhances their nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes according to your preference.
• Adding a splash of soy sauce can provide an umami boost to the dressing.
• To save time, use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniformly thin cucumber slices.
• Customize the salad by adding thinly sliced carrots or radishes for extra crunch and color.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Geotjeori as a refreshing side dish alongside Korean BBQ, Bibimbap, or any other Korean main course. It also pairs well with grilled meats and seafood.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cucumber slices neatly on a serving platter and sprinkle the green onions and sesame seeds on top for an appealing presentation. Consider garnishing with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra touch of elegance.