Crispy Summer Delight: Stir-Fried Pickled Gourd (Nokak Muchim) Recipe
A Deliciously Refreshing Pickled Gourd (Nokak Muchim)
The perfect side dish when you have a poor appetite
Main Ingredients
- Nokak (prepared) 650g
- Coarse salt 1.5 Tbsp
Seasoning Ingredients
- Gochujang (red chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (red chili flakes) 0.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 0.5 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.5 Tbsp
- Gochujang (red chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (red chili flakes) 0.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 0.5 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I purchased large, fresh-looking Nokak gourds. (approximately 650g)
Step 2
Wash the skin of the Nokak thoroughly under running water. Then, cut the gourd in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seedy core.
Step 3
Now, take the firm outer part of the Nokak and slice it into long, thick strips. Aim for pieces that are not too thin, so they retain a satisfying crunch. This is key for a good texture!
Step 4
Add 1.5 Tbsp of coarse salt to the julienned Nokak. Gently mix it in, being careful not to break the gourd pieces. Salting helps to draw out moisture and enhance the crispiness of the Nokak.
Step 5
Let the Nokak salt for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice it becoming softer and releasing a lot of water. * Place the salted Nokak in a clean cheesecloth or sieve and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Squeezing firmly with your hands is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery later and to ensure it stays crisp. This step is the most important for achieving that delightful crunch in your Nokak Muchim!
Step 6
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp chopped green onion, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, and 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Mix them well until smooth to create a delicious seasoning paste.
Step 7
Add the squeezed Nokak to the prepared seasoning paste and,
Step 8
Wearing gloves, gently mix and toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the Nokak; you want to combine it gently. After salting and squeezing out the water, you should have about 2 servings of Nokak Muchim.
Step 9
Your crispy and flavorful Nokak Muchim is complete! It’s a wonderful side dish for rice.
