Crisp and Refreshing Pickled Old Cucumber Salad (Nogaeng Muchim)
Mastering the Delicious Old Cucumber Salad: Baek Jong-won’s Nogaeng Muchim Recipe
We’ve prepared a refreshing and crisp old cucumber salad (Nogaeng Muchim) that’s perfect for a hot day. This side dish offers a wonderful cooling sensation and a delightful texture, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Korean classic!
Main Ingredients
- 1 large old cucumber (Nogaeng)
- 1 handful scallions (approx. 1/4 stalk)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the old cucumber. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the skin from the cucumber. The skin can be quite thick, so ensure it’s thoroughly removed.
Step 2
Cut the peeled cucumber in half lengthwise. Then, using a spoon, gently scrape out all the seeds and the soft inner flesh from both halves. Removing the seeds helps to reduce excess moisture in the salad and improves its texture.
Step 3
Slice the deseeded cucumber thinly, about 0.3 cm thick. Slicing it thinly allows the seasoning to penetrate better and maintains a pleasant crispness.
Step 4
Add 1/2 tablespoon of coarse sea salt to the sliced cucumber and mix thoroughly to coat. Gently massage the salt into the cucumber slices. This salting process draws out excess moisture, enhances crispness, and removes any potential bitterness. Let it salt for about 30 minutes.
Step 5
After 30 minutes, rinse the salted cucumber under cold running water a couple of times to remove the excess salt. Squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as you can, otherwise the salad might become watery and bland.
Step 6
Wash the scallions and finely chop them. Cutting them thinly will ensure they blend well with the texture of the cucumber salad.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the flavorful seasoning. In a bowl, combine 2/3 tablespoon of gochugaru, 2/3 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Mix well to create the seasoning paste. You can add a pinch of salt if needed to adjust the taste.
Step 8
Add the squeezed-out cucumber and chopped scallions to the bowl with the seasoning. Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the cucumber evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumber mushy.
Step 9
Your crisp and refreshing old cucumber salad (Nogaeng Muchim) is ready! Enjoy it as a side dish or serve it chilled for an extra cooling effect. Enjoy your delicious meal!
