Spicy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
The Ultimate Recipe for Spicy, Crunchy, and Delicious Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) – A Rice Lover’s Dream!
Spicy and refreshing! This cucumber salad (Oi Muchim) recipe is a real appetite booster and a perfect side dish that goes wonderfully with rice. Its vibrant flavors and crisp texture will surely become a favorite.
Main Ingredients- 3 Cucumbers
- 1/2 Onion
- 4 Green onions (or 1/4 white part of a leek)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, add more for spicier flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for savory depth and shine)
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt (to draw out moisture and season)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for finishing garnish and nutty flavor)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, add more for spicier flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for savory depth and shine)
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt (to draw out moisture and season)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for finishing garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash all the ingredients thoroughly. Rub the cucumbers with coarse sea salt while washing to remove any impurities and ensure they stay crisp.
Step 2
Slice the cucumbers about 0.5 cm thick on a bias, or cut them in half lengthwise and then slice to 0.5 cm thickness. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as they might become mushy. Thinly slice the onion and cut the green onions into 3-4 cm lengths. You can substitute the green onions with the white part of a leek.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and green onions. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Freshly minced garlic will provide the best aroma.
Step 4
Next, add 2.5 tablespoons of Gochujang for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on the saltiness of your Gochujang.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a vibrant color and spicy flavor. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to increase the amount.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar for a touch of sweetness. You can adjust this to your preference.
Step 7
Include 1 tablespoon of plum extract for a hint of savory depth, sweetness, and a nice sheen. If you don’t have plum extract, you can use sugar as a substitute.
Step 8
Add 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt to season and help draw out moisture from the cucumbers. Gently toss and mix the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumbers mushy; gentle handling is key. Let it sit for about 5 minutes; the cucumbers will release some water, allowing the flavors to meld and ensuring a crisp texture.
Step 9
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over the mixed cucumbers for a rich, nutty aroma. Adding the sesame oil at the end preserves its fragrance.
Step 10
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and mix everything evenly to finish. Lightly crushing the sesame seeds before adding them can enhance their nutty flavor.
Step 11
Transfer the finished Oi Muchim to a serving dish, presenting it attractively. Enjoy it with freshly cooked warm rice for a truly delightful meal.
