Refreshing Cucumber and Wild Chive Salad (Oi-dallae Muchim)
Recipe: How to Make Delicious Cucumber and Wild Chive Salad
Today, I felt like making a spicy, tangy, and crisp cucumber salad, so I decided to whip up some Oi-dallae Muchim. While cucumber salad is delicious on its own, adding fragrant wild chives elevates it to a whole new level of tastiness. It’s a fantastic side dish for rice and pairs wonderfully with grilled pork belly. Let’s get started on this delightful salad right away!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber (medium size)
- 60g wild chives (about one handful)
- 1/2 onion (medium size)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp Dashida (or MSG for umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp Dashida (or MSG for umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water. Gently scrape off some of the skin with the back of a knife or use a peeler to remove it in sections; this will enhance its crispness. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice it into thin strips about 0.5 cm thick. Slice the onion similarly into thin strips.
Step 2
Prepare the fragrant wild chives by washing them carefully and patting them dry. Trim any dirty roots or wilted leaves. Chop the wild chives into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Combine the sliced cucumber, onion, and chopped wild chives in a mixing bowl.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the flavorful seasoning! Add 1.5 tablespoons of gochujang, 2 teaspoons of tangy vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of sweet sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon of spicy gochugaru for a kick. Enhance the umami with 1 teaspoon of Dashida (or your preferred umami seasoning) and add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for aroma. Finally, include 1 tablespoon of pungent minced garlic. Sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds on top for a nutty finish.
Step 4
It’s time to mix everything together! Put on disposable gloves and gently toss the ingredients with the seasoning until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the cucumber too much; a gentle mix is key to maintaining its crispness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a little more salt or any other ingredient to your preference. Enjoy your wonderfully crisp and flavorful Oi-dallae Muchim!
