Crispy & Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim): An Effortless Korean Side Dish
Oi Muchim: Showcasing the Natural Flavor of Cucumbers with Minimal Seasoning
This zesty and refreshing cucumber salad, Oi Muchim, is a craving that persists even in winter! It’s a dish you’ll find yourself making even when you have plenty of kimchi. Let’s learn how to make this delightful side dish that perfectly complements any meal.
Cucumber Salting Ingredients- 4 Korean cucumbers (approx. 20cm each)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 5 Tbsp water
Seasoning Mix- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 5cm white part of green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp 2x concentrated vinegar (or 2 Tbsp regular vinegar)
- 1/2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 5cm white part of green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp 2x concentrated vinegar (or 2 Tbsp regular vinegar)
- 1/2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the four cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly, then cut each one in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out the watery seeds using a spoon; this helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery and keeps the cucumbers delightfully crisp. Once deseeded, cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4cm long.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine 5 Tbsp of water and 1 Tbsp of coarse sea salt to create a brine. Add the chopped cucumbers to the brine and gently toss to coat. Let them sit and pickle for about 10 minutes, giving them a gentle toss halfway through for even brining.
Step 3
Prepare the seasoning mix. Finely chop the white part of the green onion. In a separate bowl, combine the gochugaru, sugar, minced garlic, chopped green onion, toasted sesame seeds, concentrated vinegar, and plum extract. Mix everything well until a flavorful seasoning paste forms. (If using regular vinegar, use 2 Tbsp instead of the 2x concentrated version.)
Step 4
After 10 minutes of brining, rinse the cucumbers lightly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain them thoroughly in a colander. For an extra crisp texture, you can gently pat them dry with paper towels to ensure no excess moisture remains, which could dilute the dressing.
Step 5
Now, combine the drained cucumbers with the prepared seasoning mix in a bowl. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the cucumbers with the delicious dressing. Be careful not to overmix or mash the cucumbers; a gentle hand will preserve their crispness.
Step 6
And there you have it! A delicious and refreshing Oi Muchim is ready in no time. The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible for anyone to make. It’s a fantastic side dish for any meal or even a savory snack.
Step 7
Serve your beautifully prepared cucumber salad on a plate. Enjoy the fresh, crisp, and natural taste of the cucumbers enhanced by the perfectly balanced seasoning!
