Spicy Cucumber Noodle Salad With Clams

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a colander, toss the cucumbers with ½ teaspoon salt and set aside to sweat until you’re ready to serve.

2. Step 2

   Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain, rinse well under cold water and return to the empty pot. Toss with ½ teaspoon sesame oil.

3. Step 3

   While the noodles are cooking, make the dressing: Squeeze 1 tablespoon juice from the lemon into a large mixing bowl. Add the garlic, vinegar, gochugaru, sesame seeds, sugar, gochujang, soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of liquid from the clams and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine. Taste and add more salt, lemon juice and gochugaru until saucy and assertively seasoned to your liking.

4. Step 4

   Drain the clams and add to the dressing. Pat the cucumbers dry with a clean towel and add to the dressing. Toss to combine.

5. Step 5

   To assemble the salad, spread the noodles on a large platter. Top with the dressed cucumbers and clams, and pile on the lettuce. Drizzle the lettuce with the remaining ½ teaspoon sesame oil, and lightly season with salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.