Crispy Quick Cucumber Kimchi (Oi-kkakdugi)
Crispy Quick Cucumber Kimchi (Oi-kkakdugi)
Summer Delight! Easy Recipe for Instant Cucumber Kimchi
Make refreshing and crispy cucumber kimchi using the freshest cucumbers of the season! This ‘instant cucumber kimchi’ requires no fermentation and can be enjoyed immediately. It’s a perfect side dish to elevate your meals. Try this simple recipe and enjoy it all summer long.
Main Ingredients- 5 cucumbers
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 stalks scallions
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp plum syrup (or sugar)
- 1.5 Tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. If they are thin, cut them in half lengthwise, then slice into about 1cm thick pieces. If the cucumbers are thick, cut them into quarters lengthwise before slicing.
Step 2
Salt the Cucumbers: Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt evenly over the sliced cucumbers. To help the salt dissolve faster and start the pickling process, lightly sprinkle some water over them and gently toss the cucumbers.
Step 3
Drain the Cucumbers: Let the cucumbers sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the salt has dissolved and some water has been drawn out. Carefully pour out this accumulated water into a separate bowl, keeping only the cucumbers.
Step 4
Gently Squeeze Excess Water: Lightly squeeze the cucumbers to remove any remaining excess water. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this could make them mushy.
Step 5
Prepare Seasoning Ingredients: Finely chop the scallions. Mince the garlic. Have your chili powder and fish sauce ready.
Step 6
Mix the Kimchi: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumbers with the chopped scallions, minced garlic, chili powder, fish sauce, and plum syrup. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a little sugar. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break the cucumber pieces. You can use a spoon to mix, which is quite convenient. This is how easy it is to make delicious cucumber kimchi!
Step 7
Serve Immediately: Once everything is well combined, transfer the cucumber kimchi to a serving dish. It’s best enjoyed right away to savor the delightful crispiness of the cucumbers.
