Crispy and Delicious Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim) Recipe
Refreshing and Flavorful Oiji Muchim (Korean Pickled Cucumber Salad)
A perfect side dish for summer, but also a great way to awaken your appetite when you’re not feeling hungry! It’s best to make a generous batch to enjoy over time. This salad is incredibly refreshing and adds a delightful crunch to any meal.
Main Ingredients
- 10 Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji)
- A little bit of green onion (white part, finely chopped)
- 5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (Maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Introducing Oiji Muchim, a delightful Korean pickled cucumber salad that’s perfect when you need a flavor boost! This recipe is designed to be easy and delicious, even for beginners.
Step 2
First, prepare 10 Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji). It’s important to slice them as thinly as possible to reduce their saltiness and allow the seasoning to penetrate well. Thinner slices result in a better texture.
Step 3
Rinse the sliced Oiji thoroughly in cold water multiple times to remove excess saltiness. Changing the water frequently will help. After rinsing, squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Removing excess water is crucial for the dressing to adhere properly and for the best flavor.
Step 4
Add the seasoning ingredients to the squeezed Oiji. Combine the finely chopped green onion, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), toasted sesame seeds, plum extract, and sesame oil.
Step 5
Now, gently mix everything together with your hands, like ‘jovial-jovial’ ( 조물조물 – a gentle kneading motion). This helps the seasoning to be absorbed evenly into the cucumbers. Be careful not to mash the Oiji, but mix until well combined.
Step 6
Because the Oiji itself is already salted, you usually don’t need to add extra salt. The natural saltiness of the Oiji perfectly complements the other seasonings. If you prefer a milder taste, you can add a tiny pinch of salt, but it’s typically not necessary.
Step 7
Your refreshing, crispy, and deliciously seasoned Oiji Muchim is ready! It’s a fantastic side dish to enjoy with a bowl of hot rice. You can also serve it chilled as a refreshing soup base (Oiji Naengguk) during hot weather.
