Crispy and Delicious Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
The Ultimate Oiji Muchim Recipe: Unveiling the Secret to its Savory and Sweet Dressing!
This Oiji Muchim (Korean pickled cucumber salad) is the ultimate banchan (side dish) to awaken your appetite! Its delightful crunchy texture combined with a perfectly balanced spicy and sweet dressing makes it an irresistible addition to any meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to side dish for any occasion.
Main Ingredients- 4 pickled cucumbers (Oiji), approx. 225g after squeezing out moisture
Oiji Muchim Seasoning- 1 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 0.4 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 to 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru) (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 0.4 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 to 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru) (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since the moisture content can vary depending on the size of the pickled cucumbers (Oiji), it’s best to squeeze out excess water before preparing the dressing ingredients. This ensures the seasoning is properly balanced and prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
Step 2
Trim off about 1 cm from both ends of each pickled cucumber. Then, slice them thinly, about 2 to 3 mm thick. Slicing them thinly helps reduce the time needed to remove the saltiness. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can slice them slightly thicker to enjoy the original texture of the Oiji. Feel free to adjust the thickness to your preference!
Step 3
Place the sliced pickled cucumbers in a large bowl. Gently toss them with your hands, rinsing them with cold water 3 to 4 times until the water runs clear. This multiple rinsing process helps remove excess saltiness and any unwanted briny odor, resulting in a cleaner flavor.
Step 4
Return the rinsed cucumbers to the bowl and cover them with enough cold water to fully submerge them. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes to draw out the saltiness. It’s crucial to taste a piece of cucumber periodically to check if the saltiness has reached your desired level, as the saltiness can vary significantly between different brands of Oiji. Be careful not to soak them for too long, as they might become too bland.
Step 5
After soaking, place the pickled cucumbers in a cheesecloth, a vegetable squeezing bag, or a sieve and squeeze out as much water as possible. The drier the cucumbers are, the crispier and more satisfying the texture of your Oiji Muchim will be.
Step 6
Finely chop the scallions and prepare 0.4 Tbsp of minced garlic. Both the scallions and garlic play an important role in adding depth and aroma to the pickled cucumber salad.
Step 7
Add the squeezed-out pickled cucumbers to the seasoning bowl, along with the chopped scallions and minced garlic.
Step 8
Add 1.5 Tbsp of Gochugaru (red pepper flakes) for a touch of spiciness. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount, or reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust to your personal preference.
Step 9
Add 1 Tbsp of corn syrup or rice syrup for sweetness. You can adjust the amount between 1 to 1.5 Tbsp based on how sweet you like it. For an even deeper sweetness, you could consider adding pureed onion or fruit.
Step 10
Add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and rich flavor. Adding sesame oil towards the end helps preserve its fragrance and ensures a delicious nutty taste.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the mixture to enhance the overall flavor and aroma. You can use whole or crushed sesame seeds, both will taste great.
Step 12
Put on disposable gloves and gently mix the pickled cucumbers with all the seasonings by hand. Ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the cucumbers for the best flavor infusion.
Step 13
After mixing, taste the salad. If you find it not sweet enough, add another 0.5 Tbsp of corn syrup and mix again until evenly combined. Adjust the sweetness to your perfect liking!
Step 14
Finish by sprinkling more toasted sesame seeds on top. Your crispy and flavorful Oiji Muchim is now ready to be enjoyed! Enjoy this delightful Korean side dish!
