Crispy Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim) Golden Recipe
Quick & Delicious Oiji Muchim Using Homemade Pickled Cucumbers
When you have no appetite, a refreshing, sweet, and sour, crispy Oiji Muchim will be a true rice thief! Here’s a simple recipe using Oiji (Korean pickled cucumbers) made and frozen during summer.
Main Ingredients- 2 Homemade Pickled Cucumbers (Oiji)
- 1 Korean Green Chili Pepper (Cheongyang Pepper)
- 1/2 Red Chili Pepper
- A little bit of Green Onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
From the Oiji we diligently made and froze during the hot summer days, let’s take out 2 pieces today to create a flavorful Oiji Muchim.
Step 2
Lightly rinse the Oiji under running water, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. Slicing them not too thinly will help preserve their crisp texture.
Step 3
Place the sliced Oiji in plenty of cold water. It’s crucial to soak them for about 40 to 50 minutes, changing the water periodically, to thoroughly remove the saltiness. This step ensures your Oiji Muchim isn’t too salty and tastes delicious.
Step 4
Once the saltiness has been adequately reduced, use a clean kitchen cloth or your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible from the Oiji. Excess water can prevent the seasoning from absorbing well and make the dish bland.
Step 5
Remove the seeds from the Cheongyang pepper and mince it finely. Similarly, mince the red chili pepper into small pieces for a beautiful color. Finely chop the green onion, focusing on the white parts.
Step 6
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed-dry Oiji with the minced Cheongyang pepper, red chili pepper, and chopped green onion. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands, like you’re ‘jomul-jomul’ (massaging) it. Ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed is key to a great taste.
Step 7
Your vibrant and appetizing Oiji Muchim is now complete! Enjoy your meal with this crispy Oiji Muchim that boasts an excellent crunchy texture and savory flavor.
