Crispy Seasoned Dried Oiji (Korean Cucumber Pickle)
Summer Delicacy Recipe: How to Make Delicious Seasoned Oiji
Let’s revisit a classic summer side dish that always graced our tables from July onwards: seasoned Oiji! I made this seasoned Oiji using Oiji I received from my parents’ home. It’s a truly satisfying dish! The delightful crunchiness and the perfectly balanced sweet and spicy seasoning will surely awaken your appetite.
Main Ingredients- 3 Oiji (Korean dried cucumbers)
- 1/2 Green Onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The ingredients for today’s ‘Seasoned Oiji’ are 3 Oiji and 1/2 green onion. For the seasoning, prepare 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. All measurements are based on a standard Korean rice spoon (TBSP).
Step 2
Rinse the 3 Oiji thoroughly under running water. Slice them thinly to about 0.2mm thickness; this thickness allows the seasoning to penetrate well and provides a great texture. Try not to slice them too thick.
Step 3
Place the thinly sliced Oiji in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This step helps to remove excess saltiness and any potential unique flavor from the Oiji, resulting in a cleaner taste.
Step 4
Prepare the 1/2 green onion by trimming and finely chopping it. The aromatic scent of the green onion will enhance the overall flavor of the seasoned Oiji.
Step 5
After 15 minutes, take the Oiji out of the cold water and rinse them a couple more times under fresh running water to wash away any remaining salt.
Step 6
Place the rinsed Oiji on a clean piece of cheesecloth or kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. Thoroughly draining the Oiji is crucial for achieving that signature firm and crunchy texture.
Step 7
Transfer the squeezed Oiji to a large mixing bowl, ready for seasoning.
Step 8
Add all the seasoning ingredients to the bowl with the Oiji: 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, and the chopped green onion.
Step 9
Now, gently mix everything together with your hands. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the Oiji. Be careful not to over-mix or squeeze too hard, as this can make the Oiji mushy. A gentle toss is best.
Step 10
Voila! Your crispy and delicious seasoned Oiji is ready! Just looking at it makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? This is the perfect side dish to make you finish a bowl of rice in no time on a cool summer day.
