Description
Have you ever wondered why the simplest side dishes at your favorite Korean restaurant are often the ones you crave the most? This Oi Muchim is a vibrant explosion of flavor that manages to be cooling and fiery at the same time. In just ten minutes, you can transform humble cucumbers into a crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large cucumbers, preferably Persian or Kirby (sliced into 1/8-inch rounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 2 tablespoons Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (substitute with tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (substitute with apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (substitute with honey or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Slice the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers and slice into thin rounds, about 1/8th of an inch thick. For a more rustic look, you can ‘smash’ them first with the flat side of a knife.
- Salt and Drain: Place slices in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then drain the excess liquid and pat dry to ensure maximum crunch.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and Gochugaru until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss and Coat: Pour the seasoning over the cucumbers. Add the sliced green onions and sesame oil. Toss thoroughly until every slice is glistening and coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra scallion greens before serving immediately.
Notes
If you cannot find Gochugaru, use a smaller amount of standard red pepper flakes, though the flavor will be sharper. Resist skipping the salting step if you want the salad to stay crunchy for hours. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice or thinly sliced Asian pear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook / Mixing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg