Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Sweet & Tangy Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe
A perfectly refreshing and crisp Korean cucumber salad bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make and a fantastic side dish that will elevate any meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- Pinch of salt (for brining)
- 1/4 onion (approx.)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, or leave the skin on for extra crunch – it’s entirely up to your personal preference! Slice them into bite-sized pieces. For best results, aim for about 0.5cm thickness, or cut them in half lengthwise and then slice them thinly on an angle.
Step 2
To ensure the cucumber salad stays crisp and doesn’t get watery, it’s best to lightly brine the cucumbers before mixing. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the sliced cucumbers and gently toss to coat. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture, resulting in a much crunchier salad.
Step 3
While the cucumbers are brining, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of maesilcheong, 1.5 tablespoons of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix everything well. For the finishing touches, add a dash of sesame oil for aroma and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for nutty flavor. Your flavorful seasoning is now ready!
Step 4
After 15 minutes, rinse the brined cucumbers under cold running water to remove the excess salt. Drain them thoroughly in a colander. It’s crucial to get rid of as much water as possible; you can even gently press them with your hands to ensure they are well-drained. This step prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
Step 5
Add the drained cucumbers and thinly sliced onions to the prepared seasoning mixture. Now, put on a pair of disposable gloves and mix everything together gently with your hands. Ensure that the seasoning evenly coats all the cucumber slices and onions. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Your crisp, refreshing, and flavorful cucumber salad is ready! While it’s delicious served immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator for a short while will enhance its refreshing taste even further.
