Crispy, Sweet, and Tangy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
The Ultimate Appetizer! Easily Make Spicy and Sweet Cucumber Salad
Introducing Oi Muchim, a delightful side dish perfect for those moments when your appetite is lacking. It serves as a refreshing alternative to kimchi and pairs wonderfully with a bowl of ramen, offering a spicy and sweet flavor profile that everyone will love. Learn how to make this popular Korean salad easily and deliciously at home! With simple steps, you can achieve a wonderfully crisp texture and savory taste that will make it a staple on your dining table.
Main Ingredients
- 4 cucumbers
- 1/2 onion
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp rice syrup (or sugar)
- 0.5 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract – for sweetness and aroma)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty flavor)
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp rice syrup (or sugar)
- 0.5 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract – for sweetness and aroma)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty flavor)
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing fresh, vibrant cucumbers and a crisp onion. Using fresh vegetables will significantly enhance the texture and flavor of your Oi Muchim.
Step 2
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, pat them dry, and slice them into slightly thick pieces according to your preference. Slicing them too thinly can lead to them becoming soggy and mushy when dressed. Peel the onion and thinly slice it into slivers. Thinly sliced onions will blend better with the cucumbers and dressing.
Step 3
Sprinkle coarse salt evenly over the sliced cucumbers. This step helps to draw out excess moisture, making the cucumbers crispier and allowing them to absorb the seasoning better.
Step 4
Gently mix the salted cucumbers and let them sit for about 15 minutes. During this time, the cucumbers will soften slightly as they release water, becoming tender yet still retaining some crispness. They will taste quite salty at this point.
Step 5
Rinse the cucumbers under cold running water 2-3 times to remove any excess salt. Overly salty cucumbers will make the final dish too salty. After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as you want to retain some moisture and texture.
Step 6
Place the squeezed cucumbers and thinly sliced onions in a bowl. Add all the ‘Spicy & Sweet Seasoning’ ingredients. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed over the cucumbers and onions. Avoid mixing too vigorously, which could break down the cucumber pieces.
Step 7
Finish by sprinkling some sesame seeds on top. Your delicious, spicy, sweet, and crispy Oi Muchim is now ready! It’s great to eat immediately, but chilling it in the refrigerator for a while will enhance its refreshing taste even further.
