Savory Soy Sauce Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
A Refreshing Soy Sauce Cucumber Salad Perfect for Rich Foods
This is a recipe for a delightfully sweet, sour, and savory soy sauce cucumber salad, perfect to serve alongside greasy or meat-heavy dishes. I saw this on YouTube and decided to try it – it’s incredibly simple yet wonderfully delicious! The crisp texture of fresh cucumbers combined with the flavorful sauce creates an appetite-stimulating side dish that’s truly top-notch.
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (Cheongyang chili)
- 1 red chili pepper
For Salting Cucumbers- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumbers.
Step 2
Cut the cucumbers into julienne strips, about 2-3mm thick. Slicing them too thick can affect the texture, and too thin might make them mushy, so achieving the right thickness is key.
Step 3
The inner core of the cucumber contains a lot of water, which can dilute the flavor of the salad. Carefully remove this seedy core with a knife or spoon, keeping only the outer flesh.
Step 4
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse salt evenly over the sliced cucumbers.
Step 5
Let the cucumbers sit for about 10 minutes to salt and draw out excess moisture. This process helps them retain their crispness. Giving them a toss halfway through can be beneficial.
Step 6
For the chili peppers, cut them in half lengthwise, remove the seeds completely, and then thinly julienne them, similar to the cucumbers. This adds a pop of color and a pleasant spicy kick.
Step 7
Slice the prepared chili peppers into thin julienne strips.
Step 8
The 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds will add a wonderful nutty aroma. For an even richer flavor, lightly crush them before adding.
Step 9
Place the sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle and lightly crush them. Aim for a slightly coarse texture rather than a fine powder; this preserves some of the seeds’ bite.
Step 10
It’s perfectly fine if the crushed sesame seeds aren’t finely ground; a bit of texture makes them even more enjoyable.
Step 11
After salting for 10 minutes, gently squeeze the excess water from the cucumbers by hand. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can make them mushy; leaving some moisture is ideal.
Step 12
Place the lightly squeezed cucumbers into a mixing bowl. If they still seem quite watery from being sliced, you can squeeze them a bit more.
Step 13
Gently shake the squeezed cucumbers to loosen them up before mixing.
Step 14
Now it’s time to add the seasoning. Start with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Step 15
Next, add 1 tablespoon of plum extract (maesilcheong) for a touch of sweetness and a nice sheen.
Step 16
Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar for a refreshing sour note.
Step 17
Follow with 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the sweet and sour flavors.
Step 18
Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for a fragrant touch. Be mindful not to add too much, as a strong garlic flavor can overpower the dish.
Step 19
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil (deulgireum) for its distinct nutty and aromatic quality.
Step 20
Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients to the bowl with the cucumbers and gently mix.
Step 21
Toss in the julienned red and green chili peppers. They not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a delightful spicy flavor.
Step 22
Gently mix everything together with your hands, ‘job-job’ style, ensuring the seasoning coats the cucumbers and peppers evenly. Be careful not to overmix, which can crush the ingredients.
Step 23
Lastly, sprinkle in the crushed sesame seeds. The nutty aroma will immediately become more pronounced.
Step 24
Toss gently one more time to incorporate the sesame seeds. Your delicious Soy Sauce Cucumber Salad is now complete! Ensure all the flavors are well combined.
Step 25
And there you have it – a perfectly balanced Soy Sauce Cucumber Salad that pairs wonderfully with rich dishes! Enjoy this delightful and refreshing side dish, perfect with rice or as a snack.
