Cucumber Kimchi

Happy New Year!  I want to wish everyone good health and lasting prosperity.  In the last few months, I’ve put on some weight with the holidays so it’s the perfect timing to refocus and shed some weight.  A friend once told me never to say “lose weight” because it can always find it’s way back so instead she suggested the term “shed weight.”  My cucumber kimchi is the perfect side dish to start my healthy journey.  This recipe is super easy, quick and delicious!

I recently purchased a mandoline slicer and I love it.  It sliced my cucumber and carrots evenly and beautifully.  It was perfect for making my cucumber kimchi recipe.  I used an English cucumber but you can also use Persian cucumbers for this dish as long as there isn’t too much water.  I also used half a carrot for the bright color and one spring onion for the added punch of flavor.  This dish is best served right away.

You will need gochugaru (Korean pepper flakes), garlic powder, salt, sugar, sesame oil and sesame seeds to season the cucumber kimchi.  If you have fresh garlic, please go ahead and use it but I just can’t be bother with mincing garlic when I’m in a pinch for time.  Depending on your tolerance for spicy foods, you can add as much or as little as you like.  I like mine super spicy so I added 2 TBS.

When you add the salt, sugar and garlic powder to the sliced cucumbers make sure to massage the cucumbers.  This will help pickle the cucumbers.  Massage the cucumbers for 5 minutes then add the gochugaru and continue to massage.  Yes, I said massage the cucumbers!  I know it sounds silly but trust me it will help bring all the flavors together.  The gochugaru is spicy so make sure to use a food glove when mixing.  Then add the sliced carrots and green onions and continue to massage for 1 minute.  All you have left is to add the sesame oil and sesame seeds and you’re done.  This recipe is super easy and delicious!  For an extra burst of umami flavor, add a splash of fish sauce.  It’s absolutely lovely!  Enjoy!

Cucumber Kimchi

 

Save Print

Prep time

15 mins

Total time

15 mins

 

Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber, slice into rounds
• ½ carrot, grate
• 1 spring onion, chop
• 1 tsp salt (start with ½ tsp and taste before adding the ½ tsp)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp sugar
• 2 TBS gochugaru (use less if you want it less spicy)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Slice English cucumber into rounds
2. Grate carrot
3. Chop spring onion
4. Add salt, garlic powder and sugar to sliced English cucumber and massage for 5 minutes
5. Add gochugaru and continue to massage for another 1-2 minutes
6. Add grated carrots and chopped green onions and massage for another minute
7. Add sesame oil and gently toss together.
8. Plate the cucumber kimchi and add sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Start with ½ tsp of salt and add additional ½ tsp if needed.

3.5.3229