Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Make a Refreshing Cucumber Salad Perfect for Steak
It’s crunchy, cool, and refreshing when eaten with meat!
Main Ingredients- 3 Cucumbers
- 1 Scallion (white part mainly)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp White Sugar (or WonDang)
- 5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp White Sugar (or WonDang)
- 5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water, trim off the ends, and slice them thinly into approximately 0.3cm thick rounds. Slicing them too thick may prevent the seasoning from penetrating well, while slicing them too thin can make them soggy. Aim for a consistent, moderate thickness.
Step 2
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp white sugar, 5 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp gochujang, and 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce. Gently mix with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed over the cucumbers. Be careful not to knead too vigorously, as this can release excess water from the cucumbers.
Step 3
Prepare the scallion by thinly slicing it into julienne strips, focusing on the white parts. Add the julienned scallions to the cucumber mixture and toss together. The mild spiciness and aroma of the scallions will enhance the overall flavor of the cucumber salad.
Step 4
Your refreshing cucumber salad is now ready! It boasts a delightful crisp texture and a cool, palate-cleansing taste. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to add an extra 0.5 to 1 Tbsp of white sugar to suit your preference.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the salad. The nutty aroma of the sesame seeds will add another layer of deliciousness. You can enjoy it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a short while for an even more refreshing experience. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and hearty dishes.