Crisp and Refreshing Mini Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
Easy and Delicious Mini Pickled Cucumber Salad Recipe
Here’s a simple yet delicious side dish made with homemade mini pickled cucumbers (oiji). This refreshing salad is perfect for any meal, especially when you want a flavorful and tangy addition to your rice.
Main Ingredients- 6-7 mini pickled cucumbers (or about 3 regular pickled cucumbers)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp minced green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 6-7 mini pickled cucumbers, each about the size of your palm. If you’re using regular pickled cucumbers, you’ll need about 3 of them. Using homemade oiji will give your dish a special, authentic flavor.
Step 2
Slice the prepared pickled cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Avoid slicing them too thin or too thick, as this will affect how well the seasoning penetrates and the final texture.
Step 3
Soak the sliced pickled cucumbers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess saltiness. This step is crucial for a milder, more pleasant taste. After soaking, squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen cloth or a fine-mesh sieve. It’s important to adjust the saltiness according to your personal preference.
Step 4
To the squeezed-out pickled cucumbers, add all the seasoning ingredients. This includes 1/2 Tbsp minced green onion, 1/2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil. You can add more salt if needed for extra flavor. The sugar helps balance the saltiness and adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
Step 5
Gently mix and toss the ingredients together until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the pickled cucumbers. Be careful not to mash the cucumbers; mix them gently but thoroughly so that every piece is coated with the delicious seasoning.
Step 6
And there you have it – your wonderfully crisp and flavorful mini pickled cucumber salad is ready! This dish boasts a delightful crunchy texture and a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s an excellent side dish for rice and also makes a great light snack or appetizer. Enjoy it chilled for an even more refreshing taste!
