Crispy Seasoned Dried Cucumber (Oiji Muchim)
Crispy Seasoned Dried Cucumber (Oiji Muchim)
How to Make Oiji Muchim Using Traditional Dried Cucumbers with Chili Seeds
Let’s make a refreshing and crunchy seasoned dried cucumber dish using traditional dried cucumbers with chili seeds, taken from the kimchi refrigerator. It’s a perfect side dish!
Ingredients- 3 well-fermented traditional dried cucumbers (Oiji)
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 red chili pepper, deseeded and minced
- 1 Tbsp red chili flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp red chili paste (Gochujang)
- A little plum extract (optional)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The star of this recipe is the traditional dried cucumber (Oiji) that has been well-fermented and is generously packed with chili seeds. Take it out from the kimchi refrigerator and get ready to cook.
Step 2
Well-fermented Oiji will have a slightly shriveled appearance and have released a good amount of moisture, giving it a deeper color. This state is perfect for absorbing seasonings and making a delicious dish.
Step 3
Rinse the Oiji thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove excess saltiness. Slicing it thinly will result in a crunchier texture. Adjust the thickness to your preference.
Step 4
To help extract more moisture and add a subtle sweetness, pour a little corn syrup (mulyeot) over the thinly sliced Oiji and let it sit for a short while. (Don’t worry, this process won’t make the Oiji overly sweet.)
Step 5
The Oiji will quickly release water when soaked in corn syrup, creating a lot of liquid. This liquid helps to further remove saltiness and enhance the crunchiness of the Oiji. Place the Oiji in a sieve to drain all the liquid, then gently squeeze it with your hands to remove any remaining moisture.
Step 6
Prepare the vegetables for the seasoning. Finely mince the garlic, deseed the red chili pepper and mince it finely. Finely chop the green onion.
Step 7
In a large bowl, add the squeezed Oiji. Then, add the minced garlic, minced green onion, and minced red chili pepper. Next, add the red chili flakes and red chili paste. Finally, drizzle with toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil, and have all your ingredients ready.
Step 8
Once all ingredients are prepared, gently mix and season with your hands. (Since the corn syrup has already provided some sweetness, you don’t need to add extra sugar. You can add a little plum extract if you prefer.)
Step 9
Your crunchy and refreshing seasoned dried cucumber (Oiji Muchim) is ready! Enjoy it with freshly cooked rice.
