Crisp and Refreshing Summer Delight: Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) Recipe
Super Simple Summer Side Dish: Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)! Revealing the Secret to a Rice-Stealing Flavor
On a hot summer day, when your appetite is low, this is the perfect choice! We’re sharing a super simple Oi Muchim recipe that takes just 5 minutes using fresh cucumbers and fragrant onions. The crisp texture combined with a sweet, tangy, and spicy dressing makes it an ideal side dish for rice or even a great accompaniment with drinks. It’s so easy, anyone can follow along. Try it now!
Main Ingredients- 2 Korean cucumbers (Baek-oi)
- 1/2 onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum extract)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger extract/syrup
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse sea salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum extract)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger extract/syrup
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse sea salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the 2 Korean cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Using a peeler, partially peel the skin to make them visually appealing and enhance their crispness. Slice them into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 Tbsp of coarse sea salt, and gently toss. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. This step helps draw out some moisture, making the cucumbers crisper and better able to absorb the dressing. Be careful not to salt them for too long, as they might become mushy.
Step 2
After 5 minutes, place the salted cucumbers in a colander and gently shake off any excess water. Do not rinse them; simply drain the water. This is the secret to ensuring the seasoning is just right. We’ll let them drain while we prepare the dressing.
Step 3
Meanwhile, peel and thinly slice the 1/2 onion. Add the sliced onion to the bowl with the cucumbers and mix gently. Pre-mixing the cucumbers and onions like this will make it much easier to toss them with the dressing later.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp Maesil-cheong, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp of ginger extract. Mix these ingredients well with a spoon. Add the prepared dressing to the bowl with the cucumbers and onions. Gently toss everything together with a spoon, being careful not to mash the cucumbers. Thoroughly mixing without crushing is key.
Step 5
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of vinegar for a tangy kick. Sprinkle generously with 1/2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Mix gently once more, and your crisp and flavorful Oi Muchim is ready! It’s delicious served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a while for an even more refreshing taste.
