Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) – Perfect Side Dish Recipe
Beat the Heat with This Flavorful Korean Cucumber Salad! A Must-Have Side Dish.
Enjoy the satisfying crunch of fresh cucumbers combined with a zesty, sweet, and spicy seasoning. This Oi Muchim recipe is easy to make and a delightful addition to any meal, perfect for hot days.
Main Ingredients- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1/4 onion (optional)
- Small piece of carrot (for color)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for brining)
Seasoning Mix- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 7 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and flavor)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 7 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and flavor)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under running water. Gently scrape off the bumpy ridges on the cucumber skin with the back of a knife to help remove any impurities.
Step 2
Trim off the ends of the cucumbers and slice them diagonally about 0.5 cm thick. This shape helps the seasoning coat evenly and makes them easy to eat. (Tip: If you’re concerned about bitterness at the ends, you can trim them off. However, modern cucumber varieties are often less bitter and quite nutritious, so feel free to experiment!)
Step 3
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt evenly over the sliced cucumbers. Gently toss them to coat and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will draw out some moisture, making them wonderfully crisp.
Step 4
While the cucumbers are brining, thinly slice the onion. Julienne the carrot into thin strips for a touch of color. (Note: The photo uses only a portion of the onion and carrot; feel free to adjust the amounts to your preference.)
Step 5
Once the cucumbers have softened slightly, gently squeeze out any excess water and place them in a clean bowl. Discard the brine.
Step 6
Now it’s time to make the delicious seasoning mix! Add 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 7 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 2 Tbsp plum extract, and 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide syrup to the cucumbers. Mix everything together gently until well combined. (You can adjust the amount of Gochugaru based on your spice preference.)
Step 7
Finally, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for garnish. Give it one last gentle toss to ensure all the flavors are well distributed. Your crispy and refreshing Oi Muchim is ready! It’s delicious served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for an even cooler, more invigorating treat.
