Crispy and Delicious Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Perfect for Large Batches! Crispy Cucumber Salad – Easily Made with a Golden Ratio Seasoning
This is a refreshing cucumber salad with a delightful crispiness and a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a quick and easy side dish that’s ideal for busy days. It’s a true rice thief!
Main Ingredients- 1.5 cucumbers (or 2 if they are small)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 hot pepper (or 2 if you like it spicier)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (regular or light)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 3 pinches of salt (adjust to taste)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (regular or light)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 3 pinches of salt (adjust to taste)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin in stripes or completely. Then, slice them into bite-sized pieces (about 0.5 cm thick, half-moon shape or diagonally). Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. For extra crispiness, you can lightly salt them and then squeeze out the excess water.
Step 2
Thinly slice the onion. Mince the hot pepper after removing the seeds. (If you want it spicier, increase the amount of chili pepper or add some red bell pepper for color).
Step 3
Add the sliced onion and minced hot pepper to the bowl with the cucumbers. Add all the seasoning ingredients (soy sauce, gochugaru, minced garlic, sugar, salt). It’s best to adjust the salt to your preference. Start with less and add more as needed after tasting.
Step 4
Gently mix everything with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the cucumbers evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumbers mushy. Finally, add the sesame seeds and perilla oil and mix once more. Your delicious cucumber salad is ready! You can eat it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a cooler, even tastier experience.
