Refreshing & Cool 5-Minute Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Refreshing & Cool 5-Minute Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
Perfect for Loss of Appetite! Make a Refreshing and Cool Cucumber Salad in Just 5 Minutes
Lately, I’ve been craving Korean side dishes quite often, and I’ve been making various ones. Today, I’m sharing how to make a refreshing, cool, and clean-tasting cucumber salad, just like my mom used to make. No matter how greasy the main dish is, this side dish cleanses your palate and leaves you feeling refreshed. It’s a perfect accompaniment!
Main Ingredients- 3 Korean cucumbers (Gasi-oi or Baek-oi)
Seasoning Ingredients- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Then, thinly slice them into rounds, about 0.5cm to 0.7cm thick. If they are too thick, the seasoning won’t penetrate well, and if they are too thin, they’ll become soggy quickly. This thickness is ideal. You can use either Gasi-oi (spined cucumber) or Baek-oi (plain cucumber) according to your preference.
Step 2
Add the sugar to the sliced cucumbers. Mixing them with sugar at this stage helps to draw out some moisture, contributing to a crispier texture.
Step 3
Next, add the vinegar. If you prefer a less sour taste, feel free to reduce the amount of vinegar slightly to your liking.
Step 4
Now, add the soy sauce. This will provide a savory depth and umami flavor to the cucumbers.
Step 5
Add the red pepper flakes (gochugaru) for a mild spiciness and vibrant color. This ingredient is key for the classic Korean flavor profile.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle in the sesame seeds. They add a delightful nutty aroma and flavor to the salad.
Step 7
Gently toss everything together to ensure the seasoning coats the cucumbers evenly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning (sugar, vinegar, soy sauce) as needed to suit your personal preference. This cucumber salad is delicious immediately, but chilling it in the refrigerator for a short while will make it even more refreshing.
Step 8
Voila! Your refreshing and cool cucumber salad is ready in a flash. Serve it immediately to complete your delicious meal.
