Refreshing Seaweed and Cucumber Salad (Miyeok Oi Muchim)
Tender Seaweed and Crispy Cucumber Salad
The perfect dish to awaken your appetite! Soft, tender seaweed meets crunchy cucumbers in a delightful sweet and sour blend. It’s not overly spicy but leaves your mouth feeling wonderfully refreshed. This is a fantastic side dish or salad that will surely enrich your dining table!
Main Ingredients- 2 handfuls of rehydrated dried seaweed (approx. 100g)
- 2/3 cucumber (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 red or green chili pepper (for garnish and a touch of heat)
Sweet and Sour Dressing- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (for final seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 Tbsp vinegar (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (for final seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, soak the dried seaweed in cold water until it becomes soft and pliable, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Rinse the rehydrated seaweed thoroughly under running water to remove excess salt. Squeeze out any excess water and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Cutting it too long can make it difficult to eat.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber, trim the ends, and cut it into thin, long strips (julienne), about 0.5 cm thick. If using, thinly julienne the chili pepper (removing the seeds if you prefer less heat) to add color and a hint of spice. Place the prepared seaweed, julienned cucumber, and chili pepper into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing! In a separate small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp honey (or sugar), 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1.5 Tbsp vinegar. Mix them well until thoroughly combined. Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seaweed and cucumber are evenly coated with the dressing. This even coating is key! Finally, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Your refreshing salad is now ready to serve!
