Crispy and Fresh Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
The Best Oi Muchim Recipe: Secret Seasoning for Delicious Cucumber Salad and Simple Making Method
Make a refreshing Oi Muchim (spicy Korean cucumber salad) with a satisfying crunch and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors using fresh seasonal cucumbers. It’s a fantastic side dish that enhances any meal, and also makes a great simple snack. This versatile cucumber dish can also be used as a topping for bibimbap or as an ingredient in cold cucumber soup. Let’s learn how to make it!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber (approx. 258g after trimming)
- 54g onion
- A small bunch of green onions (about 1.5 Tbsp worth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water, rubbing them gently. Trim off both ends. For an extra crisp texture, you can rub them lightly with coarse salt before rinsing.
Step 2
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 3mm thick. Avoid slicing them too thickly, as this will prevent the seasoning from penetrating evenly. Aim for uniform slices.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion into strips about 3mm thick, similar to the cucumber slices. Finely chop the green onions and measure out 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic. Your ingredients are now prepped!
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, minced garlic, and chopped green onions.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the seasoning ingredients that will define the flavor of your Oi Muchim. Start by adding 1 Tbsp of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Step 6
Add 1.5 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a pleasant spiciness and vibrant color. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
Step 7
Pour in 1 Tbsp of vinegar for a tangy, refreshing taste. Vinegar helps maintain the cucumber’s crispness and cuts through any richness.
Step 8
Add 1.4 Tbsp of jin-ganjang (Korean soy sauce) for a savory umami depth. Soy sauce helps to balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Step 9
Stir in 1 Tbsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a rich, spicy flavor. Gochujang adds a wonderful complexity to the seasoning.
Step 10
Finally, generously drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and rich flavor. This really elevates the dish!
Step 11
For the finishing touch, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds over the mixture. The sesame seeds add another layer of nutty goodness.
Step 12
Put on a pair of disposable gloves. Gently toss and mix all the ingredients and seasonings together, ensuring the seasoning coats the cucumbers evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumbers mushy.
Step 13
Once everything is well combined, taste the salad. If it seems a little bland, you can add a touch more soy sauce or a tiny pinch of salt to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Getting the taste just right is key!
Step 14
Transfer the delicious Oi Muchim to a serving dish. Garnish with a little extra chopped green onion or more sesame seeds if desired, for an even more appealing presentation. Enjoy your perfectly made Oi Muchim!
