Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Spicy, Sweet, and Tangy Cucumber Salad: The Perfect Side Dish!
Discover how to make a delicious Korean cucumber salad (Oi Muchim) with a perfectly balanced spicy, sweet, and tangy dressing. This vibrant dish is an ideal accompaniment to rich meat dishes, crispy fried foods, savory pancakes (jeon), or refreshing noodles. Learn the secret to a flavorful and irresistible side dish!
Main Ingredients
- 1 cucumber (medium-sized)
- 1 stalk of scallion
Spicy, Sweet & Tangy Dressing
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum syrup/extract)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (brewing type)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum syrup/extract)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (brewing type)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly. Slice it thinly on an angle (approx. 0.5 cm thick). Avoid slicing too thinly to maintain a pleasant crunch. Cut the scallion into similar lengths as the cucumber slices, about 2-3 cm long, and set aside with the cucumber.
Step 2
The key to a delicious Oi Muchim is the dressing! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp maesil cheong, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix everything well until there are no lumps, creating a smooth dressing.
Step 3
In a large bowl, add the prepared cucumber and scallions. Add 3 Tbsp of the prepared dressing first and gently mix. Toss the ingredients carefully to ensure the dressing coats the cucumber and scallions evenly. Taste the salad and adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference. If you like it tangier, add a little more vinegar; if you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar or maesil cheong.
Step 4
Transfer the well-mixed cucumber salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle a few extra toasted sesame seeds on top for a more appealing presentation. Enjoy your wonderfully crunchy and flavorful Oi Muchim, boasting a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that will surely whet your appetite!
