Cucumber Kimchi Recipe
Cucumber kimchi is a delightful and tangy twist on the traditional Korean side dish. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. While it's ideal to let it marinate for at least 12 to 24 hours for the flavors to meld, you can also refrigerate it for up to a week, making it perfect for those who crave instant gratification. Let's dive into how to create this quick cucumber kimchi.
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 8kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pickling cucumbers or other small cucumbers about 8 ounces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 scallions white and light green parts only, finely chopped
- 1 1/4- inch piece fresh ginger peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Korean chile powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce
Instructions
Salting the Cucumbers:
- Begin by slicing the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick half moons.
- Place the cucumber slices in a medium bowl and mix them thoroughly with the kosher salt.
- Let the cucumbers stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step not only seasons the cucumbers but also draws out excess moisture.
Combining the Ingredients:
- While the cucumbers are salting, combine the finely chopped garlic, scallions, ginger, rice vinegar, Korean chile powder, sugar, and fish sauce in a medium nonreactive bowl. Nonreactive bowls are essential when working with acidic ingredients like vinegar. You can use stainless steel, enamel-coated, or glass bowls for this.
Finishing the Dish:
- After the cucumbers have rested for 30 minutes, drain them, and discard the liquid.
- Stir the cucumbers into the vinegar mixture. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the rich flavors of the marinade.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for 12 to 24 hours before serving. A glass Mason jar with a lid or any airtight nonreactive container works well for storage.
Notes
Note:
- Korean chile powder (gochugaru) is crafted from sun-dried, crushed thin red peppers. You can find it in Korean or Asian markets, or purchase it online. Store it airtight in the refrigerator or freezer indefinitely.
- Fish sauce is a condiment made from salted, fermented fish. You can locate it in the Asian food section of large supermarkets or in Asian markets.