🥒 Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad Made Easy

🌶️ Crunchy | 🧄 Garlicky | ✨ Flavor Explosion
Korean Cucumber Salad ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 by spice lovers and salad skeptics alike)

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn humble cucumbers into a crave-worthy snack, TikTok delivered—and we’re forever grateful. This Korean Cucumber Salad is refreshing, spicy, and bursting with bold flavor in every juicy bite. It’s a side dish, a snack, a secret weapon in your weekly meal prep.

—

Why You’ll Crave This TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
• ⏳ Marinate Time: 15–30 minutes
• 🥣 Serves: 2–4 as a side
• 💰 Cost: Under $5
• 🔥 Flavor: Spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory
• 💡 Perfect For: BBQs, Korean dinners, healthy snacks, TikTok food trends

—

Ingredients – Fresh, Simple, and Flavor-Packed

• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1½ tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2–3 Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber), thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Optional: drizzle of honey or a splash of lemon juice
• 1 tsp soy sauce

—

How to Make TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad – A Zingy Side Dish in Minutes

Step 1: Salt and Sweat the Cucumbers

Slice cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse, then pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Toss with Bold Korean Flavors

In a large bowl, combine cucumbers with garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, gochugaru, sesame oil, and green onion. Toss well to coat.

Step 3: Marinate and Enjoy!

Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to an hour) to soak in all the flavor. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and serve chilled.

—

How to Serve TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad – Make It Pop!

• As a side with grilled meats or Korean BBQ
• With a bowl of steamed rice and fried eggs
• Rolled into lettuce wraps or bibimbap bowls
• Scooped straight from the bowl with chopsticks (zero judgment)

—

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with This Viral Korean Cucumber Salad

“So simple, so flavorful! I make it every week now.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jules N.

“Crunchy, spicy, and addicting. It totally woke up my dinner plate.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Tara P.

“Made it for a potluck, and it disappeared in minutes.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Alex L.

—

📝 TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad

This Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) is a quick and zesty side dish made famous on TikTok for its crunchy texture and bold, flavorful seasoning. Tossed in a spicy, tangy, garlicky dressing, it’s ready in minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, grilled meat, or noodles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Korean

Calories: 45

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 –3 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 green onions finely sliced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp gochugaru Korean red chili flakes – adjust to taste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon

Method

 

1. Wash and slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons (about ¼ inch thick).
2. Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 5–10 minutes. This draws out excess water and improves crunch.
3. Drain cucumbers and gently pat dry with paper towels.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, gochugaru, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.
5. Add drained cucumbers and green onions to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately, or chill for 10 minutes for deeper flavor.

Notes

Gochugaru is key for authentic flavor, but you can sub crushed red pepper flakes if needed (start with less).

Add a drizzle of honey for a hint of sweetness, or julienned carrots for extra crunch.

Best served fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.

FAQ – TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad

This TikTok Korean Cucumber Salad is crisp, spicy, and totally addictive. If you’re craving more cool cucumber goodness, try this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad. It’s quick, refreshing, and the perfect balance to bold dishes or sunny days.