Crispy Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
Enjoy the Crunchy Texture! How to Make a Refreshing Oiji Muchim Without Excess Moisture
This is the ultimate side dish for those hot summer days when your appetite fades! I pickled 50 cucumbers, shared them, and this is my final batch of Oiji Muchim. They turned out so delicious that they were gone in no time – I think I’ll have to make more soon! It’s easy to store and perfect for reviving a dull appetite. Let’s make this refreshing Oiji Muchim together!
Main Ingredients- 4 pickled cucumbers (Oiji)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (Chamgireum)
- 1/2 Green Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Rice Syrup)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (Chamgireum)
- 1/2 Green Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Rice Syrup)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Lightly rinse the pickled cucumbers under running water. If using commercially prepared oiji that has lost its crispness, you can briefly blanch it in boiling water and then cool it before proceeding. Slice the oiji into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Slices can be slightly thicker. Take the sliced oiji, wrap them in a cheesecloth or grasp them handful by handful with your hands, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This crucial step prevents the salad from becoming watery and maintains its delightful crunchy texture. Finely chop the green onion and red and green chilies (optional) for preparation.
Step 2
To the well-squeezed pickled cucumbers, add the seasoning ingredients to begin mixing. Start by adding 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and 2 Tbsp of gochugaru.
Step 3
Next, add 1 Tbsp of perilla oil for its nutty aroma and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for richness. Also, add 1 Tbsp of corn syrup (or rice syrup) for a touch of sweetness and shine.
Step 4
Add about 2 Tbsp of the finely chopped green onion. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the oiji. Taste and, if needed, add a tiny bit of salt or fish sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top. Your delicious and crisp Oiji Muchim is now ready! It can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for a refreshing side dish to accompany your meals.
