Description
Korean Cucumber Salad, known as “Oi Muchim,” is a staple in Korean cuisine that embodies a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This dish is not only a visual delight with its vibrant colors but also holds significant cultural importance, as pickled and seasoned vegetables are traditionally served alongside meals in Korea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Persian, Korean, or English cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 medium white or yellow onion
- 2 green onions
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru Korean red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Begin by placing the sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle them with kosher salt, ensuring each slice is well-coated. Allow the cucumbers to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- After the resting period, rinse the cucumbers briefly under cold water to remove the excess salt. Pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Transfer the rinsed and dried cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well blended.
- Add the sliced onion and green onions to the bowl of cucumbers. Pour the prepared Korean dressing over the top and gently toss everything together.
- To allow the flavors to meld beautifully, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes.
- Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. Finish by sprinkling it generously with toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Opt for Persian, Korean, or English cucumbers for the best texture.
Reduce gochugaru for a milder flavor.
This salad can be made ahead of time; just prep cucumbers and dressing separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg