Crispy Cucumber and Chive Kimchi (Oi Buchu Kimchi)
How to Make Cucumber and Chive Kimchi, Baek Jong-won Style Fresh Kimchi, Perfect for Summer Home-Cooked Side Dishes
Let’s make a refreshing and delicious cucumber and chive kimchi. Its crisp texture and cooling taste are perfect for a light summer side dish.
Main Ingredients- 5 cucumbers
- 1/2 bunch chives
- 2 onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’ll be making a wonderfully crisp and delicious cucumber and chive kimchi. It’s the perfect side dish to whet your appetite with seasonal summer vegetables!
Step 2
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Instead of drying them immediately, give them a quick rinse under running water. Then, gently rub the surface of the cucumbers with coarse salt. This helps prevent the cucumbers from getting bruised or damaged while also removing surface impurities. After rubbing, rinse them again thoroughly under running water.
Step 3
Cut the rinsed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 cm thick. Sprinkle the coarse salt (1/3 cup) over the cut cucumbers, dividing it into 2-3 portions. Toss them to ensure even salting. Stir them occasionally halfway through the process. Salting for about 30 minutes will help the cucumbers retain their crispness while drawing out just enough moisture.
Step 4
After salting for 30 minutes, lightly rinse the cucumbers under running water to remove excess salt. Drain them completely in a colander; this is crucial to prevent the kimchi from becoming watery and the seasoning from separating. Now, let’s prepare the seasoning. Place the drained cucumbers in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup gochugaru, 3 tsp sugar, 3 tsp vinegar, 3 tsp fish sauce, and 3 tsp minced garlic. Mix these ingredients well with the cucumbers. Thinly slice the onions.
Step 5
Once the cucumbers are partially coated with the seasoning, add the sliced onions and the chives (trimmed and cut into about 5 cm lengths). Gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix or mash the chives and onions, as this can release a raw flavor or make them mushy. The key is to coat all the ingredients evenly with the seasoning using a light hand. This step adds a richer flavor and aroma.
Step 6
And there you have it! Your crisp, tangy, and deliciously refreshing cucumber and chive kimchi is ready. It’s wonderful to enjoy immediately, or you can store it in the refrigerator for a cool treat. This kimchi is a true lifesaver for summer when your appetite might be lagging!
