Crispy Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
A Refreshing Summer Side Dish: Easy Pickled Cucumber Salad Recipe
Here’s a simple and refreshing pickled cucumber salad (Oiji Muchim), perfect for those hot summer days when you need something light and flavorful to accompany your meals. It’s a fantastic side dish that will surely whet your appetite!
Ingredients- 3 Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji)
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (Maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the pickled cucumbers (Oiji) to about 0.4cm thickness. If you slice them too thinly, they might lose their satisfyingly crisp texture. Don’t worry if you’re not a knife expert; slightly thicker slices are perfectly fine and will still be delicious.
Step 2
Finely chop the green onion and mince the garlic. Prepare these aromatics to be added to the seasoning mix. For a more balanced flavor, consider using both the white and green parts of the green onion.
Step 3
Place the sliced pickled cucumbers in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. This crucial step helps to leach out excess salt, making them more palatable and enhancing their crispness by rehydrating them.
Step 4
After soaking, drain the cucumbers thoroughly. Place them on a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Removing excess moisture is key for the dressing to adhere well and prevent a watery salad.
Step 5
Transfer the squeezed cucumbers to a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (Gochugaru) for a touch of mild heat and color, and 1 tablespoon of plum extract (Maesilcheong) for a hint of sweetness and fruity depth.
Step 6
Now, add 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic for its pungent aroma and flavor, along with the 1 tablespoon of chopped green onion you prepared earlier. These ingredients will form the base of your vibrant seasoning.
Step 7
Put on a pair of disposable gloves and gently mix the ingredients with your hands. Use a light squeezing motion (‘jomal jomal’) to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed without breaking the cucumber slices. This tender massage helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 8
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for its nutty aroma and flavor, and sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Give it a final gentle toss to combine everything. Avoid overmixing, as it can diminish the fresh flavor.
Step 9
Your delicious and crisp pickled cucumber salad is ready! Enjoy it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing taste.
