Crisp and Delicious Cucumber Salad with Doenjang
Crisp and Delicious Cucumber Salad with Doenjang
Crispy Cucumber Salad that Tastes Like Oi-jjangachi & Spicy and Savory Acorn Pepper Salad with Doenjang Recipe
Perfect for when you lack appetite! Introducing a crisp cucumber salad with a delightfully chewy texture, reminiscent of ‘oi-jjangachi’ (pickled cucumbers), and a spicy acorn pepper salad balanced with the sweetness of onions and the savory depth of doenjang. Both dishes are ultimate rice companions that will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time!
Main Ingredients- 3 Korean cucumbers (Baek-oi)
- 3 Acorn peppers (Asak-i gochu)
- 1/2 Onion
Cucumber Salad Seasoning (Sweet & Sour)- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 5 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
Acorn Pepper Doenjang Salad Seasoning (Savory)- 1 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 5 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
Acorn Pepper Doenjang Salad Seasoning (Savory)- 1 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash 3 fresh Korean cucumbers (Baek-oi) thoroughly under running water and prepare them.
Step 2
Trim a tiny bit off both ends of each cucumber to check for any bitterness. (This step helps remove any bitterness and enhances the crispness.)
Step 3
Slice the cucumbers thinly, about 2mm thick, into bite-sized pieces. Slicing them too thick will prevent the seasoning from penetrating well, and too thin will make them mushy. The right thickness is key!
Step 4
Add 1 Tbsp of coarse sea salt and 5 Tbsp of vinegar to the sliced cucumbers. Mix them evenly and let them sit for about 20 minutes to pickle. This process draws out moisture, which is crucial for maintaining a crisp texture.
Step 5
Rinse the pickled cucumbers gently once under cold water. Be careful not to wash away too much salt, as this can make the salad bland.
Step 6
Drain the rinsed cucumbers well by placing them in a colander. Removing as much water as possible is essential to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to ensure the seasonings are well absorbed.
Step 7
For even drier cucumbers, place them in a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. (This is the secret to achieving that chewy, ‘oi-jjangachi’-like texture!)
Step 8
Add all the ‘Cucumber Salad Seasoning’ ingredients to the drained cucumbers. Gently toss and mix with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Avoid mixing too vigorously, as this can break down the cucumber pieces.
Step 9
Your sweet and sour cucumber salad with that signature chewy texture is ready! It’s delicious served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing taste.
Step 10
Now, let’s make the doenjang salad with acorn peppers! Remove the stems from the acorn peppers and slice them into roughly 2cm lengths. (If you like a spicier kick, you can leave some of the seeds in.)
Step 11
Slice the onion into similarly sized pieces, about 2cm, matching the acorn peppers. The sweetness of the onion will complement the savory doenjang seasoning beautifully, adding depth of flavor.
Step 12
Combine the sliced acorn peppers and onions in a bowl. Add all the ‘Acorn Pepper Doenjang Salad Seasoning’ ingredients.
Step 13
Gently toss and mix with your hands until the seasoning coats the ingredients evenly. This delicious doenjang salad, packed with savory and sweet-spicy flavors, is now complete. It’s an excellent side dish for rice!
