Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Chef Baek Jong-won’s Recipe for a Deliciously Crunchy Cucumber Salad
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing cucumber side dish in the summer! After making stuffed cucumbers, it’s been a while since I last made this simple yet incredibly satisfying cucumber salad, following the trusted recipe from Baek Jong-won. It’s perfect for a light and flavorful summer meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 1/2 onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the 2 cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Then, gently rub them with coarse sea salt to remove any bumpy or rough spots. This not only cleans the cucumbers but also helps them absorb the seasoning better later on.
Step 2
Don’t peel the cucumbers entirely; remove the skin in stripes, leaving some on for added texture. Slice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Leaving some skin on is key to achieving a wonderfully crisp texture! Slice them into half-moons about 0.5cm thick, or lengthwise.
Step 3
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Toss to coat evenly and let them sit for about 10 minutes to salt. This process draws out excess moisture, making the cucumbers crisper and ready to soak up the flavors.
Step 4
While the cucumbers are salting, let’s prepare the seasoning! Peel and thinly slice half an onion. In a small bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients: 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp vinegar. Mix them well.
Step 5
After 10 minutes, rinse the salted cucumbers lightly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, pressing out any remaining water. Leftover water can dilute the flavor, so be sure to get them as dry as possible! Combine the drained cucumbers with the prepared seasoning and sliced onions. Gently mix and massage everything together until well combined. This is the final step! Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma and visual appeal. Enjoy your perfectly seasoned, refreshingly crunchy cucumber salad!
