Crispy Cucumber and Chive Kimchi
Crispy Cucumber and Chive Kimchi
How to Make Easy and Quick Cucumber Chive Kimchi
Introducing a delicious Cucumber and Chive Kimchi that tantalizes your taste buds with the refreshing crunch of cucumbers and the fragrant aroma of chives. This kimchi stays wonderfully crisp without getting soggy, making it perfect to enjoy immediately or after a short fermentation. Instead of the more labor-intensive stuffed cucumber kimchi (oi sobagi), this recipe offers a simpler ‘geotjeori’ (fresh kimchi) style by mixing pre-cut cucumbers and chives. Become a kimchi master with this recipe that highlights the fresh, natural flavors of summer vegetables! The combination of cooling cucumbers and nutrient-rich chives makes it an excellent side dish for any meal.
Main Ingredients- 3 Cucumbers
- 1 bunch Chives (approx. 130g)
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (for salting cucumbers)
Kimchi Seasoning- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp Pear Juice Drink
- 1/3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/5 Tbsp Minced Ginger (a tiny pinch)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp Pear Juice Drink
- 1/3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/5 Tbsp Minced Ginger (a tiny pinch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. If the bumps on the cucumber skin are unsightly, you can rub them gently with coarse salt to clean them. (These cucumbers were clean, so I washed them directly.)
Step 2
Trim the ends of the washed cucumbers. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. First, cut each cucumber lengthwise into 4 equal parts.
Step 3
Next, cut each of the 4 lengthwise pieces into a cross shape again, creating long, slender pieces. (Pieces about 5cm long work well.)
Step 4
Place the cut cucumbers in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt evenly over them. Let the cucumbers salt for about 1 hour. During this time, flip the cucumbers 2-3 times to ensure they are salted evenly on all sides.
Step 5
Trim any wilted or discolored leaves from the chives. Then, soak them in cold water for about 5 minutes to refresh them. Rinse them 2-3 times under running water and then drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 6
Arrange the drained chives neatly.
Step 7
Cut the prepared chives into pieces approximately 5cm long, similar in length to the cucumber pieces. Cutting them to a manageable size makes mixing easier.
Step 8
Finely mince the garlic. Peel and finely mince the ginger. Adjust the amount of ginger to your preference, as it has a strong flavor.
Step 9
In a small bowl, combine all the kimchi seasoning ingredients: fish sauce, red pepper flakes, pear juice drink, sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix them well to create a delicious seasoning paste. Allowing the seasoning to rest for a bit can enhance its flavor.
Step 10
After salting for 1 hour, quickly rinse the cucumbers 2-3 times under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain them well in a colander. Any remaining water can dilute the flavor of the kimchi.
Step 11
Add all the prepared kimchi seasoning to the drained cucumbers.
Step 12
Gently mix the seasoning with the cucumbers using your hands until well combined. Be careful not to mash the cucumbers; mix them gently.
Step 13
Finally, add the chopped chives and gently toss everything together without crushing the cucumbers. Your crispy and flavorful Cucumber Chive Kimchi is ready!
