Low Carb 🤖 AI Generated

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad – 40% Fewer Calories

Crispy, gochugaru-spiced cucumbers with nutty sesame in under 20 minutes. This Fat Switch version replaces heavy sesame oil with toasted seeds and light gochujang paste, cutting 230 calories while amplifying authentic Korean heat and crunch.

15m

Prep Time

Servings

348

Calories

14g

Protein

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 2 English cucumbers (approx. 500g), halved lengthwise, sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
✓ 1 tsp sea salt
✓ 2 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
✓ 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
✓ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✓ 1/4 tsp black pepper
✓ 1.5 tbsp gochujang paste
✓ 2 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned)
✓ 1 tsp honey or 1/2 tsp agave nectar
✓ 1 tsp water (to thin sauce)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Salt and Drain: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander. Toss with 1 tsp sea salt and let sit for 5 minutes to release excess water. Gently squeeze with paper towels to remove moisture without crushing.

2. Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp sesame seeds and toast for 1–2 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1.5 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp water until smooth and pourable. No lumps should remain.

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4. Mince Garlic: Finely mince 2 garlic cloves and set aside. Fresher, rawer garlic is ideal for this quick-cure salad.

5. Combine Base: Transfer drained cucumbers to a medium mixing bowl. Add minced garlic, 1 tsp gochugaru, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly.

6. Dress and Fold: Pour the gochujang sauce over the cucumber mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently for 30 seconds to coat evenly without bruising cukes.

7. Finish with Sesame: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Reserve 1 tsp seeds for garnish on serving plates.

8. Chill and Rest: Transfer to a serving dish or individual bowls. Refrigerate for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and temperature to chill.

📊 Nutrition per Serving

Calories348 kcal

Protein14g

Carbohydrates38g

Fat16g

🏷️ Tags

#Korean cucumber salad banchan#low-carb gochujang recipes#healthy sesame seed alternatives

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