Crispy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Solve your side dish dilemma with this crunchy and refreshing cucumber salad!
When you have no side dishes, try making a simple and delicious cucumber salad! This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy banchan (Korean side dish) that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers (medium size)
- 1/2 onion (medium size)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. If the seeds are large or the cucumber is thick, you can gently scrape out the seed part with the back of a knife or a spoon to remove them. (If the seeds are small and the cucumber is thin, you can leave them in.)
Step 2
After removing the seeds, slice the cucumber thinly into half-moon or diagonal shapes, about 0.3cm thick. Thinly sliced cucumbers will absorb the seasoning better and have a softer texture.
Step 3
Peel and wash the onion, then pat it dry. Finely slice it into thin strips, similar in thickness to the cucumber. If you dislike the pungent taste of raw onion, soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 5 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water. I prefer to use it directly to maintain its crispiness.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions. Add 1 tsp of salt and gently mix by hand. Lightly salting the vegetables will help draw out moisture, enhancing their crispiness.
Step 5
Add 2 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and mix again to ensure the color is evenly distributed. You can adjust the amount of gochugaru to your preference.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
Step 7
Add 2 Tbsp of vinegar for a refreshing sourness. Vinegar plays an important role in maintaining the cucumber’s crispiness and adding flavor.
Step 8
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma, and gently toss again to combine all the seasonings evenly. Crushing the sesame seeds slightly before adding them will release a richer flavor.
Step 9
Add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or regular soy sauce) at the end to add umami. Adding soy sauce too early can make the cucumbers mushy, so it’s best to add it last.
Step 10
Transfer the well-mixed cucumber salad to a nice serving dish. It’s delicious right away, but it tastes even better when chilled in the refrigerator for a short while. Enjoy!
