Crispy and Flavorful Seasoned Dried Cucumber Salad
How to Make Refreshing Seasoned Dried Cucumbers Using Homemade Pickles
I took out the dried cucumbers I made recently and seasoned them! This recipe is perfect for a side dish or a snack with drinks. Let me guide you through making this delicious and crisp seasoned cucumber salad.
Main Ingredients
- 8 well-fermented dried cucumbers (Oiji)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (or a hot chili pepper)
- 1 Red chili pepper
Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- A pinch of Dashida (MSG-based seasoning) for umami
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- A pinch of Dashida (MSG-based seasoning) for umami
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice all 8 dried cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Slicing them thinly will help them absorb the seasoning better, making them even more delicious.
Step 2
It’s crucial to remove the saltiness from the sliced cucumbers. Place them in a bowl and soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. To effectively remove the salt, drain the water once during soaking and then continue soaking.
Step 3
After soaking the dried cucumbers in water for approximately 40 minutes, drain the water completely.
Step 4
Using a clean cheesecloth or your hands, take small portions of the soaked cucumbers and squeeze out the excess water firmly. Squeezing them well is key to preventing a watery salad and maintaining their crisp texture.
Step 5
Once the water is squeezed out, the dried cucumbers will become nicely wrinkled, like this! This step is the secret to preserving their signature crispness.
Step 6
Finely mince the Cheongyang chili pepper and the red chili pepper after removing their seeds. These add a delightful spiciness and vibrant color to the dish.
Step 7
To the bowl of squeezed dried cucumbers, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. The garlic aroma will blend beautifully with the cucumbers, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 8
Add 2 tablespoons of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a pleasant spiciness. You can adjust the amount of Gochugaru to control the heat level according to your preference.
Step 9
Add just a tiny pinch of Dashida (or another umami seasoning) to enhance the savory taste. Use it sparingly to avoid an artificial flavor; a small amount is perfect.
Step 10
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds, and gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. This is the ‘jomal-jomal’ (massaging) step.
Step 11
Voila! Your delicious seasoned dried cucumber salad is ready. It looks appetizing, doesn’t it? Enjoy it with a bowl of warm rice right away!
