Crispy & Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Quick & Easy Recipe
Effortless Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) – Perfect Side Dish
Craving something refreshing and delicious? This simple Korean cucumber salad (Oi Muchim) is the perfect solution! With its crisp texture and a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s an ideal side dish for any meal, especially on hot days. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners. Get ready to enjoy a burst of fresh flavor!
Main Ingredients- 3 Cucumbers (medium size)
- 70g Chives
- 1/4 Onion
- A little Green Onion (white part preferred)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Fish Sauce)
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Extract (Korean plum syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 0.5 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (or fine salt)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Fish Sauce)
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Extract (Korean plum syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 0.5 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (or fine salt)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Rub them gently with coarse salt to remove any impurities or waxy coating, then rinse again. This step helps to enhance their freshness and reduce any slight bitterness.
Step 2
Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then thinly slice them on a diagonal (about 0.5cm thick). Cutting them this way helps maintain their crispness; if sliced too thin, they can become soggy.
Step 3
Cut the chives into 3-4cm lengths. Thinly slice the onion. Finely chop the green onion. The chives are added at the end to preserve their fresh aroma and texture.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, julienned onion, and chopped green onion.
Step 5
Add all the seasoning ingredients to the bowl: gochugaru, anchovy sauce, maesil extract, sugar, and coarse sea salt. Also, add the minced garlic at this stage.
Step 6
Gently toss everything together with your hands to ensure the seasoning coats the vegetables evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference – add more salt or fish sauce if needed, or a little more sugar or maesil extract for sweetness.
Step 7
Finally, add the cut chives and toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently one last time. Be careful not to overmix the chives, as they can wilt quickly. A light toss is enough to distribute them.
Step 8
Your refreshing and crisp cucumber salad is ready! It’s best enjoyed immediately, but you can also chill it in the refrigerator for a cool treat. This salad is fantastic served over a bowl of freshly steamed rice.
