Crispy and Refreshing Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
Crispy and Refreshing Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
Beat the Summer Heat with this Easy and Flavorful Pickled Cucumber Salad Recipe
Experience the delightful chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors with this Oiji Muchim! This magical side dish will instantly revive your appetite on hot summer days. You can whip it up in just 5 minutes. It’s so delicious, even a simple bowl of rice with cold water tastes amazing with it.
Main Ingredients- 5 pickled cucumbers (Oiji)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1/2 green onion stalk
Seasoning- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the pickled cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm thick. Slicing them not too thin will help maintain their crisp texture.
Step 2
Since pickled cucumbers are preserved in salt, they can be quite salty. After slicing, soak them in cold water for about 20 minutes to reduce the saltiness. You can adjust this soaking time based on your preference; the longer you soak, the less salty they will become. Tailor the saltiness to your taste.
Step 3
While the pickled cucumbers are soaking to remove excess salt, let’s prepare the seasoning ingredients. It’s time to chop the chilies and green onion that will add depth to the flavor of your Oiji Muchim.
Step 4
Finely chop 1/2 stalk of green onion. Also, remove the seeds from 1 Cheongyang chili pepper and 1 red chili pepper, then thinly slice them diagonally. This will add beautiful color and a pleasant spiciness.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the sliced pickled cucumbers, green onion, Cheongyang chili, and red chili. Add 3 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Mix everything well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 6
Drain the pickled cucumbers that have been soaking in water using a sieve. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands, as too much moisture can prevent the seasoning from adhering properly.
Step 7
Add the seasoned ingredients to the squeezed pickled cucumbers. Gently toss and mix everything with your hands until well combined. It’s important to mix gently, following the natural grain of the cucumbers, to avoid mashing them and to keep them delightfully crisp. Ensure the seasoning is thoroughly absorbed into the cucumbers.
Step 8
Your crispy and appetizing Oiji Muchim is ready! It’s delicious served immediately, or for an even more refreshing taste, chill it in the refrigerator for a bit. This versatile dish is perfect as a side for rice or even as a snack. Enjoy your meal with this wonderful Oiji Muchim!
