Crispy Seasoned Cucumber (Oi Muchim)
Make Delicious Seasoned Cucumbers (Oi Muchim) That Last!
A delightful seasoned cucumber dish, also known as ‘Oi Kimchi,’ that’s perfect even for children. This recipe makes a flavorful side dish that can be stored and enjoyed for a while.
Main Ingredients
- 5-6 Korean cucumbers (Baek-oi)
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt (for salting cucumbers)
- A small amount of the white part of green onions
Seasoning Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp chili powder (Gochugaru)
- 2-3 Tbsp anchovy sauce (Myeolchi aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Tools
- Mandoline slicer or knife
- Airtight container
- 3 Tbsp chili powder (Gochugaru)
- 2-3 Tbsp anchovy sauce (Myeolchi aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Tools
- Mandoline slicer or knife
- Airtight container
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh Korean cucumbers under running water. Slice them thinly, about 3mm thick, avoiding pieces that are too chunky. Using a mandoline slicer will make this process much easier and ensure uniform slices.
Step 2
Add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt to the sliced cucumbers and gently mix. Salting helps draw out excess moisture, resulting in a crispier texture. Let the cucumbers sit for about 20 minutes to salt.
Step 3
After 20 minutes, check if the cucumbers are tender enough to bend easily without breaking (they should fold softly when bent in half). Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water 2-3 times to remove any remaining salt. It’s crucial to drain the washed cucumbers completely in a colander.
Step 4
Transfer the drained cucumbers to a large bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: 3 Tbsp chili powder, 2-3 Tbsp anchovy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp sugar. You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference for sweetness.
Step 5
Finely chop the white parts of the green onions and add them to the bowl. If you like, you can also add chopped chives for an extra layer of fresh aroma.
Step 6
Combine the cucumbers with all the seasoning ingredients. Gently mix with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the cucumbers evenly. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can break down the cucumbers.
Step 7
This seasoned cucumber dish, with its thin slices and delightful sweet and spicy flavor, is perfect for children who may not enjoy overly spicy food. Enjoy the wonderfully crisp texture and the refreshing sweet and tangy taste!
