Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) Recipe
Simple and Delicious Seasoned Cucumber
This dish is perfect for those days when you need a light yet flavorful vegetable side dish! It’s incredibly easy to prepare and delightfully refreshing, making it an ideal choice for a quick and tasty addition to any meal. Enjoy the crisp texture and tangy-sweet dressing!
Main Ingredients- 1 Cucumber (medium-sized)
- 3-4 stalks Scallions (or green onions)
- 1 tsp Salt (for salting the cucumber)
Tangy & Sweet Dressing- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/3 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., Kkanari brand, or soy sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar (or other mild vinegar)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (or ground sesame seeds)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/3 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., Kkanari brand, or soy sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar (or other mild vinegar)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (or ground sesame seeds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly and pat it dry. Slice it thinly on a bias (at an angle), about 0.3cm thick. Slicing too thin might result in a less satisfying crunch, while slices that are too thick might not absorb the dressing well. Aim for a consistent, moderate thickness.
Step 2
Trim the scallions (or green onions) and cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 2-3cm long, or about the width of two fingers. Their fresh aroma will beautifully complement the cucumber.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber with 1 teaspoon of salt. Gently toss to coat and let it sit for about 5 minutes to lightly salt. This process helps to draw out excess moisture, making the cucumber crispier and preparing it to absorb the dressing better.
Step 4
After 5 minutes, gently squeeze out the excess water that has accumulated from the salting process. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can make the cucumber mushy. Lightly squeezing will prevent the salad from becoming watery and allow the seasoning to adhere more effectively.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing. In a separate bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/3 Tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Step 6
Using a spoon, stir all the dressing ingredients together until well combined. Ensure the sugar is dissolved and all the seasonings are evenly mixed to create a harmonious dressing.
Step 7
Add the lightly squeezed cucumber and the cut scallions to the prepared dressing. Gently toss everything together with your hands, ‘jobal jobal’ style (meaning a gentle massaging motion), ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. For a cleaner, crisper taste, it’s recommended to skip the sesame oil, though you can add a little if you prefer. This seasoned cucumber salad is delicious served immediately or can be chilled in the refrigerator for a more refreshing experience.
