Spicy and Tangy Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
Spicy and Tangy Pickled Cucumber Salad (Oiji Muchim)
#OijiMuchim #KoreanCucumberRecipe #SideDish #PickledCucumber #EasyKoreanFood
Your new favorite side dish! This Oiji Muchim is a delightful Korean pickled cucumber salad that perfectly balances tangy, spicy, and salty flavors. Its wonderfully chewy and crisp texture makes it an irresistible accompaniment to any meal. Even beginners can master this recipe with these detailed instructions!
Ingredients- 6 Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji)
- 4 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 3 Tbsp plum extract (or plum syrup)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the Korean pickled cucumbers (Oiji) thoroughly. Slice them thinly into rounds, about 0.3 cm thick. (Tip: The saltiness of the Oiji can vary. If your Oiji is very salty, you can soak it in cold water for about 10-20 minutes to reduce the saltiness. These Oiji had a moderate saltiness, so I used them directly.)
Step 2
Place the sliced Oiji into a clean cheesecloth or kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible by hand. This step is crucial for achieving the signature chewy and crisp texture of Oiji Muchim. Thoroughly squeezing out the water prevents the dressing from becoming watery and ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3
Here’s the Oiji after squeezing out all the excess moisture. You’ll notice a significant reduction in volume compared to the original amount. This ensures the dressing will be well absorbed and make the salad delicious.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to mix the flavorful dressing. In a bowl with the squeezed Oiji, add the red pepper flakes (Gochugaru), vinegar, plum extract, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, and chopped green onion. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the Oiji. Massaging it gently is key.
Step 5
Voila! Your Oiji Muchim is ready to be enjoyed. This simple yet delicious pickled cucumber salad boasts a delightful chewy and crunchy texture with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and salty flavors that will surely stimulate your appetite. While it’s delicious served immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for a bit will further enhance its deep, satisfying taste.
