Crispy Pickled Cucumber (Oiji) Cold Kimchi
Crispy Pickled Cucumber (Oiji) Cold Kimchi
How to Make Refreshing and Spicy Oiji Cold Kimchi
Enjoy the delightful crunch of pickled cucumbers (oiji) in this refreshing and spicy cold kimchi. It’s a wonderful side dish for rice and a perfect treat on days when you have a low appetite.
Main Ingredients- 2 Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 2 Cheongyang (spicy) chili peppers
- 2 stalks of green onion
Seasoning and Broth Ingredients- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (or 1 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or brown rice vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 Tbsp sugar (or corn syrup)
- 1000ml cold water
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (or 1 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or brown rice vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 Tbsp sugar (or corn syrup)
- 1000ml cold water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the pickled cucumbers (oiji) thoroughly under running water. Slice them thinly into rounds about 0.5cm thick. Slicing them thinly is key for the flavors to penetrate well.
Step 2
Place the sliced pickled cucumbers in a large bowl. Pour in 1000ml of cold water, ensuring the cucumbers are fully submerged.
Step 3
Add the seasoning ingredients for the broth: 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp sugar to the bowl. Stir well to combine. Adjust the amount of salt based on the saltiness of your oiji.
Step 4
Wash the red chili pepper and Cheongyang chili peppers. Remove the seeds and chop them finely. If you prefer it spicier, increase the number of Cheongyang chili peppers.
Step 5
Wash the green onions and chop them finely. You can substitute with chives or the white parts of leeks if you prefer.
Step 6
Add the chopped red chili peppers, Cheongyang chili peppers, green onions, and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to the bowl with the pickled cucumbers. Gently mix everything together to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7
Taste the kimchi and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or fish sauce. A slightly saltier broth enhances the overall flavor. Chill the Oiji cold kimchi in the refrigerator. Serve it with a few ice cubes just before eating for an extra refreshing experience.
