Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) – Chef Kim Soo-mi’s Recipe
Enjoy Instant Flavor with Fresh Cucumbers and Chives! #ChefKimSooMiRecipe
A delightful and vibrant Korean cucumber salad that’s ready to eat in minutes! This Oi Muchim features the perfect balance of crisp cucumbers, a hint of pungent chives, and a deliciously spicy-sweet seasoning. It’s the ideal side dish to brighten up any meal, especially during warmer months. Follow Chef Kim Soo-mi’s simple steps for a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Main Ingredients- 3 cucumbers (medium-sized)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 handful of chives
- 3-4 pinches of coarse sea salt (for salting cucumbers)
Spicy-Sweet Seasoning- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp white sugar or raw sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp white sugar or raw sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all your fresh ingredients. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Peel the onion and trim the roots of the chives before washing them.
Step 2
Slice the cucumbers thinly, about 0.3 cm thick, at a 15-degree angle. Slicing them this way increases the surface area, allowing the seasoning to penetrate better and enhancing the crisp texture. Cutting them into round shapes also makes for a visually appealing presentation.
Step 3
Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the sliced cucumbers. Layer the remaining cucumber slices on top, and sprinkle another pinch of salt. Continue layering and sprinkling salt until all the cucumber slices are lightly seasoned.
Step 4
Gently mix the salted cucumbers with your hands. Let them sit for about 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture and slightly soften, which helps maintain their signature crispness.
Step 5
Cut the peeled onion into quarters, then slice it thinly. Add the sliced onion to the lightly salted cucumbers, preparing them to be mixed together.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 4 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Step 7
Pour the prepared seasoning over the cucumbers and onions. Gently mix everything together by hand, ensuring the seasoning coats each slice evenly. If you don’t have chives, you can finish the dish at this stage, and it will still be delicious.
Step 8
Finally, add the chives, cut into approximately 1 cm lengths, and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the chives to lose their freshness. Taste the salad and add a little more salt if needed, according to your preference. This cucumber salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation for maximum crispness!
