Crisp and Spicy Marinated Cucumbers (Nogaek Muchim)
Nogaek Dish: Spicy Marinated Cucumbers Recipe
Here’s a recipe for a refreshing and spicy marinated cucumber dish (Nogaek Muchim). It’s a perfect side dish to whet your appetite, especially during warmer months. This recipe is simple to follow and uses basic seasonings.
Main Ingredients- 800g Korean cucumbers (Nogaek)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for salting)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh Korean cucumbers. Peel the skin thinly using a peeler. Slice them in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds cleanly. Removing the seeds helps maintain a crisp texture and prevents them from becoming mushy. Then, cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm thick.
Step 2
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of coarse sea salt evenly over them. The salt will draw out moisture, making the cucumbers crisp. Let them sit for about 20 minutes.
Step 3
After 20 minutes, drain the liquid that has accumulated in the bowl. This step is crucial for preventing the cucumbers from becoming soggy.
Step 4
Lightly rinse the salted cucumbers under cold running water. Be careful not to rinse for too long, as this might wash away all the salt and flavor.
Step 5
Place the rinsed cucumbers on a clean kitchen towel or cloth. Squeeze them firmly with your hands to remove as much water as possible. Squeezing out the excess water is key to achieving a crunchy texture and ensuring the seasoning adheres well. This thorough squeezing prevents the dish from becoming watery.
Step 6
Return the squeezed cucumbers to a clean, large bowl. First, add 1 Tbsp of sugar and let it sit for a moment. Adding sugar first helps regulate the moisture content of the cucumbers.
Step 7
Next, add 1 Tbsp of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preference.
Step 8
Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic for a savory flavor and aroma. If you enjoy a stronger garlic taste, feel free to add a little more.
Step 9
Add 2 Tbsp of vinegar for a tangy, refreshing taste. Vinegar also helps maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
Step 10
Add 1 Tbsp of Mirin (rice wine for cooking) to remove any potential raw smell and add a subtle sweetness.
Step 11
Add 1 Tbsp of plum extract (Maesil-cheong) for a sweet and aromatic flavor. If you don’t have plum extract, you can substitute it with sugar or corn syrup.
Step 12
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty fragrance. It’s best to add sesame oil towards the end of cooking to preserve its aroma.
Step 13
Add 2 Tbsp of Gochujang (Korean chili paste), which is the heart of the spicy and tangy flavor. Adjust the amount of Gochujang to achieve your desired level of saltiness and taste.
Step 14
Lastly, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness and visual appeal. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a spoon until well combined. Your delicious marinated cucumber dish is ready!
