Crisp, Tangy, and Sweet! Revive Your Appetite with Spicy Pickled Cucumber (Nogak) Salad
Crisp, Tangy, and Sweet! Revive Your Appetite with Spicy Pickled Cucumber (Nogak) Salad
Summer Delicacy: Crisp Pickled Cucumber (Nogak) Salad Made with Mature Cucumbers
The summer heat can often lead to a loss of appetite. In such times, a refreshing, tangy, and sweet Nogak Oi Muchim (Spicy Pickled Cucumber Salad) is just what you need to awaken your taste buds! Made with fresh, mature cucumbers directly from the field, this salad is perfect as a side dish for rice or as a refreshing accompaniment to dishes like Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup). Prepare a wonderful summer side dish with just one large Nogak. Let’s get started on making this delicious mature cucumber salad!
Main Ingredients- 2 large mature cucumbers (Nogak)
- 1 onion
- 1 stalk of green onion (or scallion)
For Pickling the Nogak- 1 handful coarse sea salt (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 10 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp sugar
Seasoning Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 7 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 handful coarse sea salt (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 10 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp sugar
Seasoning Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 7 Tbsp vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare two large, fresh mature cucumbers (Nogak). The amount of seasoning can be slightly adjusted depending on the size of your cucumbers.
Step 2
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Then, cut them into four lengthwise sections. Using the back of a knife or a peeler, remove the skin. Next, use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds from the center.
Step 3
It’s convenient to use a spoon to remove the seeds. Make sure to thoroughly scrape out all the seeds.
Step 4
Here we have the Nogak with the seeds completely removed. Ready for the next step!
Step 5
Slice the prepared Nogak thinly. Thin slices will absorb the seasoning better, making the salad more flavorful. Also, thinly slice the onion.
Step 6
Before mixing the Nogak with the seasoning, it needs a pre-salting step to draw out excess water. Place the thinly sliced Nogak and onion in a bowl and sprinkle a handful of coarse sea salt evenly over them.
Step 7
Add 3 Tbsp of sugar and 10 Tbsp of vinegar. Gently mix with your hands and let it pickle for about 5 minutes. This process reduces any bitterness and enhances the crisp texture.
Step 8
Rinse the salted Nogak lightly under running water and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible with your hands. Nogak naturally contains a lot of water, so squeezing it well prevents the final dish from becoming too watery after seasoning.
Step 9
Finely chop the green onion. You can also use scallions.
Step 10
Add the squeezed Nogak and chopped green onion to a large mixing bowl.
Step 11
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning sauce. First, add 1.5 Tbsp of sugar.
Step 12
Add 1 Tbsp of corn syrup (or rice syrup) for a nice sheen and sweetness.
Step 13
Add 2 Tbsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a tangy and savory flavor.
Step 14
Add 5 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a spicy kick and vibrant color.
Step 15
Include 1.5 Tbsp of minced garlic for aromatic depth.
Step 16
Finally, generously add 2 Tbsp of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and taste.
Step 17
Once all the seasoning ingredients are ready, add 7 Tbsp of vinegar. Mix everything together gently with your hands until well combined. The seasoning for Nogak Muchim is not overly strong, so it’s important to mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 18
Finally, taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more sugar, vinegar, or a pinch of salt to your preference. Your crisp, tangy, and sweet Nogak Oi Muchim is ready to be enjoyed!
