Spicy & Sweet Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) Golden Recipe
The Ultimate Cucumber Salad Seasoning Recipe with Seasonal Cucumbers and Onions
Cucumbers are in season right now, making them fresh and affordable, so I find myself buying them often. This refreshing and crunchy cucumber salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. The spicy and sweet seasoning is incredibly appetizing, making you devour an extra bowl of rice! It’s also great as a snack for kids. Enjoy this delicious Oi Muchim before your cucumbers go soft!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 onion (approx. 50g)
- A pinch of salt (for salting the cucumber)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
01. Prepare and Slice Ingredients: Prepare one fresh cucumber and half an onion. Wash the cucumber thoroughly, cut it in half lengthwise, and then slice it into approximately 1cm thick half-moon shapes. You can use a mandoline slicer, but slicing them slightly thicker will help maintain a crunchy texture, preventing them from becoming mushy.
Step 2
Slice the cucumber into half-moons: After peeling the cucumber, cut it in half and then slice it into about 1cm thick pieces. Slicing them a bit thicker ensures they don’t get crushed when tossed and keeps them crunchy.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion: Thinly slice half an onion. Slicing it this way will allow the onion to resemble shredded strands when mixed with the cucumber, enhancing its sweetness and flavor. Avoid slicing too thickly, as it might not cook evenly. Thin slicing is key!
Step 4
02. Salt the Cucumber: Sprinkle salt evenly over the sliced cucumbers. Gently toss them with your hands to help them wilt and release their moisture. Let them sit for about 20 minutes; you’ll notice water collecting, and the cucumbers will become crispier.
Step 5
03. Mix the Salad – Remove Water: After the cucumbers have been salted and softened, take handfuls of the cucumber slices and firmly squeeze out as much water as possible. It’s crucial NOT to rinse the cucumbers with water after salting. This process allows the salt to lightly season the cucumbers, making them more flavorful.
Step 6
Add the thinly sliced onion to the bowl with the squeezed cucumbers. It’s now time to mix everything together. The combination of crunchy cucumbers and sweet onions is truly delightful.
Step 7
Add Seasonings (Gochujang, Gochugaru): Add 1/2 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and 1/2 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili powder) for a spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to your preference.
Step 8
Add Seasonings (Sugar, Plum Extract): For sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. To add a tangy and sweet flavor, include 1 tablespoon of maesilcheong (plum extract). If you don’t have plum extract, you can substitute it with sugar or corn syrup.
Step 9
Add Seasonings (Vinegar, Sesame Seeds, Sesame Oil): Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar for a refreshing tang, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor, and finally, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to enhance the aroma and taste.
Step 10
Gently Toss to Combine: Using two spoons or clean hands with gloves, gently toss all the ingredients together. Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed on the cucumbers and onions. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumbers mushy.
Step 11
Serve: Transfer the beautifully mixed cucumber salad to a serving dish. It looks delicious and is ready to be enjoyed! #OiMuchim #GochujangCucumberSalad
Step 12
Cucumbers are packed with water, giving them a wonderfully refreshing taste, making them perfect for hot weather or for adding a cool element to meals. Children often enjoy the crunch and sweetness of cucumbers, making it a great way to encourage them to eat more vegetables.
Step 13
This spicy and sweet cucumber salad, made with seasonal cucumbers and onions, is a true #RiceThiefBanchan (a side dish that makes you eat more rice)! With this simple #CucumberOnionSalad, you can easily create an appetizing dish that will brighten up your dinner table tonight!
Step 14
It’s surprisingly delicious, inexpensive, and packed with nutrients. This #CucumberDish is incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect, fuss-free side.
Step 15
I had this cucumber salad with my lunch today and finished my rice in no time! It filled one container perfectly. Try making this visually appealing and tasty cucumber salad yourself.
Step 16
It’s a lovely weekend! The weather is cool and pleasant these days, perfect for outdoor activities. I hope you all have a wonderful and joyful weekend!
