Crisp Cucumber and Onion Salad (Oi Muchim)
Simple and Refreshing Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe
Enjoy the refreshing crunch of cucumbers and the subtle sweetness of onions with this easy-to-make, tangy, and savory salad. It’s a perfect side dish that’s sure to whet your appetite!
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 1/2 onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Rub them gently with coarse salt to help remove any impurities and enhance their crispness. Rinse them well under running water.
Step 2
Slice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 2 cm in length. Slicing them slightly thicker than paper-thin will help maintain their satisfying crunch and allow the seasoning to adhere well, rather than becoming mushy.
Step 3
Peel the onion and slice it into thin strips or cut it into pieces similar in size to the cucumber. The onion will add a pleasant sweetness and depth of flavor when mixed with the cucumber.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce (1 Tbsp), gochujang (1 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp), vinegar (2 Tbsp), gochugaru (2 Tbsp), and minced garlic (1/2 Tbsp). Mix these seasoning ingredients well before combining them with the vegetables. Pre-mixing the sauce ensures even distribution.
Step 5
Add the sliced cucumbers and onions to the prepared seasoning mixture.
Step 6
Gently toss and mix the ingredients with your hands to ensure the seasoning coats everything evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can bruise the cucumbers and make them less crisp.
Step 7
Finally, add the perilla oil (2 Tbsp) for its nutty aroma and the sesame seeds (1 Tbsp) for texture and flavor. Give it a final gentle mix.
Step 8
Your simple yet delicious Cucumber and Onion Salad is now ready! It’s great to eat immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a while for an even more refreshing taste.
