Crispy and Delicious Pickled Korean Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
The Best Side Dish to Boost Your Appetite on a Hot Summer Day: Oiji Muchim!
On sweltering summer days, the thought of spending a long time cooking by the stove can be daunting. This Oiji Muchim recipe is perfect for such times – it’s simple to make and wonderfully refreshing. It’s a guaranteed rice thief!
Main Ingredients- 5-6 Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji)
- 1/4 stalk of leek (white part only)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Allulose (or 2 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 tsp sugar)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Salt to taste (adjust according to preference)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Allulose (or 2 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 tsp sugar)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Salt to taste (adjust according to preference)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji). Nowadays, you can easily find vacuum-sealed Oiji at large supermarkets, which is very convenient.
Step 2
Slice the Oiji, but not too thinly. Place the sliced Oiji in cold water to soak out some of the saltiness. It’s a good idea to change the water once or twice while it’s soaking. Adjust the saltiness to your liking.
Step 3
Once the Oiji has soaked to your desired saltiness, place it in a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. Squeezing out the water thoroughly will give the Oiji Muchim its characteristic crispy texture.
Step 4
Finely mince the white part of the leek. The fragrant leek will enhance the flavor of the salad.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the squeezed Oiji, minced leek, and all the prepared seasoning ingredients (minced garlic, gochugaru, Allulose or corn syrup, perilla oil, and sesame seeds).
Step 6
Mix everything together vigorously with your hands, ensuring the Oiji and seasonings are well combined! It’s important to mix it thoroughly for the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your personal preference.
Step 7
This delicious Oiji Muchim is truly the best side dish for hot summer days! Once made, you can enjoy it cool for several days. Be sure to give this recipe a try. It will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time!
