Refreshing Korean Cucumber Salad (Nogaeng Muchim)
Easy and Delicious Season’s Best Nogaeng Salad Recipe
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing Nogaeng Muchim! We’ll show you how to make this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish using fresh, seasonal Nogaeng (Korean ridged gourd) brought straight from the countryside. It’s the perfect side dish to brighten up any meal!
Main Ingredients
- 1 fresh Korean ridged gourd (Nogaeng, about 20cm long)
- Coarse salt (for salting the Nogaeng)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Green Onion
- 1/2 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 tsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Green Onion
- 1/2 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 tsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Nogaeng thoroughly and peel off its skin. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds from the inside, then cut it into manageable pieces. (Tip: Removing the seeds helps prevent the Nogaeng from becoming mushy and keeps it extra crunchy.)
Step 2
Cut the prepared Nogaeng lengthwise into 4 pieces (about 5cm long each), then slice them thinly, about 0.5cm thick. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of coarse salt over the sliced Nogaeng and let it sit for about 10 minutes to salt. (Tip: Salting draws out excess moisture, enhancing crispness and reducing any potential bitterness.)
Step 3
After salting, lightly rinse the Nogaeng under cold running water and squeeze out the excess moisture thoroughly. Place the squeezed Nogaeng in a bowl. Add the Gochujang, Gochugaru, sugar, minced garlic, chopped green onion, and anchovy sauce. Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Finally, drizzle in the perilla oil for a nutty aroma and give it one last gentle toss to finish. (Tip: Adding perilla oil at the end preserves its fragrance and nutty flavor. We missed it in the photo, but don’t forget it!)
Step 4
Voila! Your crisp, refreshing, and seasonal Nogaeng Muchim is ready. It’s so easy to make with simple ingredients and a straightforward process, perfect for beginners. Enjoy this delightful side dish with a bowl of freshly steamed rice – it’s a true rice-thief!
