Crispy, Spicy, and Tangy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Easy & Quick Korean Cucumber Salad: The Ultimate Refreshing Side Dish
Discover how to make a delightfully crisp, spicy, and tangy Korean cucumber salad (Oi Muchim)! This refreshing side dish is perfect for whetting your appetite, with its satisfying crunch and vibrant, zesty flavor profile. It’s incredibly simple to prepare with just a few basic ingredients and makes a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. Let’s get started on this easy and delicious recipe!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 1/3 onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all the ingredients needed for your delicious cucumber salad. Wash the cucumber and onion thoroughly.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber under running water, pat it dry, and then slice it into your desired shape. Slicing it into bite-sized pieces is key for both texture and ease of eating.
Step 3
I’ve sliced the cucumber into thick half-moon shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. This thickness helps to maintain its crispiness and allows the dressing to adhere well. You can also slice it thinly or julienne it according to your preference.
Step 4
While cucumber salad is delicious on its own, adding thinly sliced onion will enhance its texture, sweetness, and overall flavor complexity. It adds another layer of delightful crunch.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful dressing, the heart of our Oi Muchim! In a mixing bowl, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). You can adjust the amount based on your desired level of spiciness.
Step 6
Add 1.5 tablespoons of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Feel free to adjust this to your taste, aiming for a balanced sweet note.
Step 7
Pour in 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Vinegar provides a refreshing tanginess and helps to cut through any slight bitterness of the cucumber.
Step 8
Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic for a hint of aromatic flavor. Be mindful not to add too much, as the garlic should complement, not overpower, the other ingredients.
Step 9
Next, add 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for that signature savory and spicy kick. This is a primary component of the dressing’s flavor.
Step 10
Finally, add 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce (or soy sauce) to enhance the umami depth of the dressing. Fish sauce brings a rich, savory dimension.
Step 11
Using a spoon or whisk, thoroughly mix all the dressing ingredients in the bowl. Ensure there are no clumps and the dressing is well combined for a uniform flavor.
Step 12
Now, add the sliced cucumbers to the prepared dressing. The fresh cucumbers are ready to absorb all that wonderful flavor.
Step 13
Toss in the thinly sliced onion as well. The combination of cucumber and onion creates a fantastic texture and taste contrast.
Step 14
Gently toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until the cucumber and onion are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cucumbers mushy.
Step 15
Finish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. Lightly crushing the seeds before adding them can enhance their fragrance. Give it one final gentle mix.
Step 16
Your incredibly crisp, spicy, and tangy cucumber salad (Oi Muchim) is ready! Serve it immediately to enjoy its fresh taste and delightful crunch. It’s sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy your meal!
