Refreshing Chives and Cucumber Salad (Buchu Oi Muchim)
Chef Baek Jong-won’s Easy Chives and Cucumber Salad Recipe
This refreshing salad perfectly balances the crispness of cucumbers with the aromatic flavor of chives. A simple yet delicious side dish seasoned with a sweet and tangy dressing, inspired by Chef Baek Jong-won. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to any meal!
Main Ingredients
- 1 Cucumber
- 2 handfuls of Chives (approx. 100g)
- 1/2 Onion
- A little Carrot (for garnish)
Sweet & Tangy Dressing
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust to tanginess preference)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (for umami, can substitute with Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Salt (to taste)
- A little Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar (adjust to tanginess preference)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (for umami, can substitute with Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Salt (to taste)
- A little Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the cucumber, scrubbing with coarse salt or baking soda to remove any dirt. Trim off the stem and any tough ends. Slice the cucumber into thin half-moons or at an angle, about 0.5cm thick. Thinly slice the onion and carrot.
Step 2
Rinse the chives under cold running water and gently shake off excess water, or pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the chives into approximately 3-4cm lengths.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the prepared cucumber, onion, carrot, and chives. Add all the dressing ingredients: gochugaru, sugar, minced garlic, vinegar, fish sauce, and sesame oil. The fish sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates the salad.
Step 4
If serving immediately, you can skip salting the cucumber beforehand. Gently toss all the ingredients together with your hands until well combined, being careful not to mash the vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Drizzle with a little more sesame oil just before serving for an extra burst of aroma. Your delicious sweet and tangy Chives and Cucumber Salad is ready!
Step 5
This vibrant salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a guaranteed hit at the table! The dressing is perfectly balanced to stimulate your appetite, making it an excellent side dish. If you plan to make it ahead, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices and squeeze out excess water to maintain a crispier texture for longer. Enjoy this delightful salad with a bowl of warm rice for an unforgettable meal. Have a wonderful and delicious day!
