Crisp and Refreshing Summer Delicacy: Cucumber Salad (Nogaek Muchim)
A Taste of Summer! Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Nogaek Muchim)
Fresh cucumbers are in season and available at the market! Let’s make a refreshing cucumber salad (Nogaek Muchim) that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Main Ingredients- 1 large cucumber (choose fresh and firm ones)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for salting the cucumber)
Seasoning Ingredients- 4 Cheongyang peppers (seeds removed and finely minced; adjust to your spice preference)
- 5 stalks of green onions (chopped)
- 1 small lemon (juiced; adds a refreshing tang)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; for color and heat)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp white sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 4 Cheongyang peppers (seeds removed and finely minced; adjust to your spice preference)
- 5 stalks of green onions (chopped)
- 1 small lemon (juiced; adds a refreshing tang)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; for color and heat)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp white sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your ingredients. Wash the cucumber thoroughly, peel it, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then, cut it into approximately 0.5cm thick slices. Thinly slice the red onion. Finely mince the deseeded Cheongyang peppers. Chop the green onions and squeeze the lemon juice.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber with 4 tablespoons of coarse sea salt. Toss well to coat and let it sit for about 20 minutes to draw out moisture and achieve a crisp texture. After salting, rinse the cucumber lightly under cold water and gently squeeze out any excess water. Drain the cucumber thoroughly in a colander.
Step 3
Transfer the drained cucumber to a mixing bowl. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients: gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, corn syrup, lemon juice, minced Cheongyang peppers, and chopped green onions. Gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – add a little more fish sauce or salt if it’s too bland, and more sugar or syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
Step 4
Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Give it one last gentle toss. Your delicious and crisp cucumber salad is ready! The refreshing, slightly crunchy texture is wonderfully satisfying during hot weather. It’s a fantastic side dish for rice, and can also be used as a topping for bibimguksu (spicy mixed noodles) or bibimbap. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful summer treat!
