Crispy 5-Minute Cucumber Smash (Oi Tangtangyi)
A Quick and Easy Cucumber Side Dish: Oi Tangtangyi in Just 5 Minutes!
Make a delicious side dish with Oi Tangtangyi! It only takes 5 minutes.
Main Ingredients- 2 Korean cucumbers (Gasi-oi)
- A pinch of coarse salt (for washing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our Oi Tangtangyi dish: the cucumbers! Take 2 Korean cucumbers (Gasi-oi). Rub them with a handful of coarse salt – this is a great way to remove any pesticides or impurities. After scrubbing thoroughly with coarse salt, rinse them several times under running water until completely clean.
Step 2
Next, we’ll peel the cucumbers. While you can eat cucumbers with the peel on, for a dish like ‘Oi Tangtangyi’ where texture is key, the peel can sometimes be a bit tough. Use a peeler or a vegetable slicer to thinly peel the cucumbers. (Tip: If you have Daechadagi cucumbers, they also make a wonderfully crunchy Oi Tangtangyi!)
Step 3
Trim off both ends of the prepared cucumbers. If the cucumbers are very long, it might be difficult to smash them effectively. In that case, feel free to cut them in half to make them more manageable. Ensuring a consistent length will make the smashing process much easier later on.
Step 4
Now for the fun part – smashing the cucumbers! It’s best to use a sturdy zipper bag rather than a thin plastic bag. Place the prepared cucumbers inside the zipper bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Then, using a rolling pin, the back of a knife, or a meat tenderizer, gently but firmly pound the cucumbers all over. Be careful not to smash them too much; you want them to crack and splinter, not turn into mush. If any juice comes out of the cucumbers during this process, don’t discard it – add it to the bowl. Once smashed, use your hands to break the larger pieces into bite-sized, appealing chunks.
Step 5
Let’s make the flavorful seasoning! In the bowl with the smashed cucumbers and their juices, add 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp vinegar, and 1 Tbsp salt. (Tip: If you prefer a tangier taste, feel free to add a little more vinegar to suit your preference.)
Step 6
Finally, add a generous amount of sesame seeds for that nutty aroma and flavor! For an even richer taste, try using a mix of both whole sesame seeds and ground sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cucumbers.
Step 7
Voila! Your crispy and refreshing Oi Tangtangyi side dish is ready. Since it doesn’t contain chili powder, it’s a perfect dish for children and the whole family to enjoy. This simple yet delicious cucumber recipe is a wonderful addition to your meal, suitable for any season. The slightly irregular shapes make it even more charming. Its sweet and sour flavor is sure to stimulate your appetite, especially on days when you’re not feeling very hungry!
