Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
The Ultimate Cucumber Salad Recipe from ‘Daebak Sikdang’ Restaurant
Introducing Yang Janggeum’s signature Oi Muchim recipe, a beloved side dish from her YouTube channel ‘Daebak Sikdang’ (Restaurant with Amazing Side Dishes). Learn how to make this perfectly crunchy and flavorful salad that rivals any restaurant’s offering. It’s a fantastic banchan (Korean side dish) that will surely enhance your meals!
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 25g white part of green onion (about 1/4 stalk)
Seasoning for Cucumber Salad- 2/3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2/3 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cucumber Brining Ingredients- 1/3 Tbsp coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2/3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2/3 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cucumber Brining Ingredients- 1/3 Tbsp coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Trim off the bitter ends (tips) from both sides. Then, cut each cucumber in half lengthwise, and slice them diagonally about 0.5cm thick. This slicing method allows the dressing to penetrate evenly, enhancing the flavor.
Step 2
Prepare the white part of the green onion. Slice it into your desired size or shape – thinly sliced or slightly thicker pieces are both fine.
Step 3
In a bowl with the prepared cucumbers, add all the ‘Cucumber Brining Ingredients’: coarse sea salt, vinegar, and sugar. Gently mix to coat the cucumbers. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to brine. This step draws out excess moisture, resulting in a wonderfully crisp texture.
Step 4
While the cucumbers are brining, prepare the ‘Seasoning for Cucumber Salad’. Combine the gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a separate bowl. Mix well. (The sesame seeds will be added at the end.)
Step 5
After 15 minutes of brining, lightly shake off the excess water from the cucumbers – no need to squeeze them hard, as this can reduce their crispness and flavor. Add the sliced green onions and the prepared seasoning mixture to the cucumbers. Gently toss everything together with your hands until well combined and coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a little more soy sauce or salt to your preference.
Step 6
Finally, drizzle a little more sesame oil over the salad and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch. Your delicious and refreshing Oi Muchim is ready to be enjoyed as a perfect banchan!
