I knew when I saw this Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad all over TikTok I had to try it. It’s so fresh and packed with tons of flavor. I love it for Summer because it can be a great poolside snack or paired greatly with some meats fresh off the grill.
These would be the perfect side dish to my Eggroll in a Bowl. I just noticed I don’t have that recipe on the blog. I will work on that ASAP because it’s actually one of my favorite meals that I repeat constantly. It’s cheap, easy and so so so good. Truly one of my meal prep staples.
Eating cucumbers like this is popular in Korean cuisine. It’s originally made with Gochugaru which is a Korean chili powder but I wasn’t able to locate any near where I lived. I used the chili garlic sauce instead but if you have an asian market near where you live I would definitely check it out. The chili garlic sauce worked well for me and it was amazing but I understand it’s not completely authentic so I did want to acknowledge that.

Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad
Do the cucumbers need to be cut accordion style?
Nope, but it sure is fun eating them this way. Feel free to slice them however you’d like!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mini Cucumbers
- Rice Wine Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Chili Garlic Sauce
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Minced Garlic
- Sugar Substitute (I used Splenda)
- Salt
- Sesame Seeds
Directions:
- First, wash and dry your cucumbers.
- Next, cut your cucumbers in half.
- Add two chopsticks or two butter knives on each side of your cucumber. Slice until you hit your chopsticks or butter knife (do not cut all the way through).
- Flip the same cucumber on the opposite side and repeat this process cutting on the diagonal.
- After, you’re left with an accordion cucumber. Repeat this process for all of the cucumbers.
- Then, add them to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, add in all your ingredients and whisk together.
- Pour your sauce over your accordion cucumbers and lightly toss. Careful not to crush or tear your cucumbers.
- Lastly, ENJOY!

Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
-
First, wash and dry your cucumbers.
-
Next, cut your cucumbers in half.
-
Add two chopsticks or two butter knives on each side of your cucumber. Slice until you hit your chopsticks or butter knife (do not cut all the way through).
-
Flip the same cucumber on the opposite side and repeat this process cutting on the diagonal.
-
After, you're left with an accordion cucumber. Repeat this process for all of the cucumbers.
-
Then, add them to a large mixing bowl.
-
In a separate small mixing bowl, add in all your ingredients and whisk together.
-
Pour your sauce over your accordion cucumbers and lightly toss. Careful not to crush or tear your cucumbers.
-
Lastly, ENJOY!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 50kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.