Crispy and Delicious Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) – The Ultimate Simple Recipe
Crispy and Delicious Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) – The Ultimate Simple Recipe
Introducing a simple recipe for making Oi Muchim, a refreshing Korean cucumber salad.
We’re sharing a recipe for a perfectly crisp and non-salty Oi Muchim (Korean seasoned cucumber salad). Cucumbers are in season right now, making them ideal for this dish. Let’s make it generously with chives and onions!
Main Ingredients- 4-5 cucumbers
- 2 onions
- 1/2 bunch chives
- 1 green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh cucumbers by rubbing them with coarse sea salt. Do not peel them; instead, slice them into bite-sized pieces (about 0.5 cm thick, half-moons or diagonally sliced).
Step 2
Add 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt to the sliced cucumbers and gently mix. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to lightly salt. (We won’t squeeze out the water; we’ll mix everything together with the other ingredients. Since there are many vegetables, the seasoning won’t be too salty, so don’t worry!)
Step 3
Slice the 2 onions into thick strips or thin slivers.
Step 4
Chop the green onion into small pieces or slice diagonally, focusing on the white parts.
Step 5
Prepare the seasoning ingredients. First, measure out 2 tablespoons of salted shrimp. Salted shrimp adds a wonderful savory depth, so be sure to include it.
Step 6
Add a generous 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic will enhance the overall flavor of the cucumber salad.
Step 7
Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. Fish sauce contributes to the umami and depth of flavor, so it’s an essential ingredient.
Step 8
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to add sweetness. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 9
Add 7 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a spicy kick. If you enjoy more heat, you can add a little extra.
Step 10
Add the chopped chives. Chives add a delightful fragrance that further elevates the taste of the cucumber salad.
Step 11
Add a generous 4-5 tablespoons of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. If you dislike sesame seeds or have an allergy, you can omit them.
Step 12
Gently mix all the ingredients and seasonings together with your hands until well combined. Midway through mixing, add 2.5 tablespoons of honey to add sweetness and a nice sheen. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 13
Transfer the perfectly seasoned cucumber salad to a container. It’s delicious to eat right away, or for an even cooler and more refreshing taste, chill it in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!
