5-Min Spicy Miso Cucumber Salad That Will Hook You Forever!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Japanese Soy Sauce (lightly salty, use low‑sodium if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil (toasted for nutty aroma)
• 1 teaspoon Chinese‑Style Chicken Bouillon Powder (adds umami; can be omitted for vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon Yellow Miso Paste (smooth, mild flavor)
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili Oil (adds heat and shine)
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili Bean Sauce (Toban Djan) (fermented spicy bean paste; optional if unavailable)
• 2 pieces Japanese Cucumbers (thin‑skinned, crisp; English cucumber can be used (halve amount))
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes (for garnish, adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

   In a mixing bowl combine the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, yellow miso paste, chili oil, and chili bean sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all lumps are dissolved.

   Time: PT2M

2. Wash and Trim Cucumbers

   Rinse the cucumbers under cold water, pat dry, and trim off the ends.

   Time: PT1M

3. Smash the Cucumbers

   Place each cucumber on a cutting board and gently press down with a rolling pin or sturdy beer mug until cracks appear throughout the flesh. Aim for a balance between gentle dents and full fragmentation—enough to create flavor pockets without turning the cucumber into mush.

   Time: PT1M

4. Chunk the Smashes

   Using your hands, tear the smashed cucumbers into rough bite‑size pieces. The jagged edges will hold the sauce better than clean cuts.

   Time: PT1M

5. Toss with Sauce

   Add the cucumber pieces to the bowl of sauce. Toss thoroughly until every fragment is evenly coated.

   Time: PT1M

6. Optional Rest

   Cover the bowl and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. This step is optional if serving immediately.

   Time: PT0M

   Temperature: 4°C

7. Garnish and Serve

   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chili flakes over the salad just before serving. Transfer to a serving plate or bowl.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Protein

2 g

Carbohydrates

5 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

2 g