Spicy Kimchi Cucumber Bites

When I travel to Korea, I always find myself craving kimchi, the spicy fermented cabbage that is a staple of Korean cuisine. When I’m back home, I often crave that same spicy, savory flavor, but I don’t always have time to make a whole batch of kimchi. That’s where these Spicy Kimchi Cucumber Bites come in. They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re the perfect way to get your kimchi fix without having to wait days or even hours.

The first time I had kimchi was on a trip to Seoul. I was staying with a friend who took me to a traditional Korean restaurant. I was immediately hooked on the spicy, savory flavor of kimchi, and I ate it with everything. Over the years, I’ve tried many different kimchi recipes, and I’ve learned that the best kimchi is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I also prefer kimchi that is fermented for a long time, as this gives it a more complex flavor.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving platter.
2. Top each cucumber slice with a spoonful of kimchi, green onions, radishes, and sesame seeds.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the cucumber bites and serve.

Why It Works

• The combination of spicy kimchi, cool cucumber, and crunchy radishes is irresistible.
• The dressing, made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, adds a touch of acidity and spice.
• These bites are the perfect appetizer or snack, and they’re also great for packing in lunches.