Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most addictive cucumber salad you'll ever experience! Oi Muchim is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine crisp cucumber slices dancing with spicy chili, nutty sesame, and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy dressing that will make your mouth water instantly. This Korean culinary gem is so simple to prepare, yet so incredibly delicious that you'll want to make it again and again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Red chili pepper flakes
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly on a diagonal, aiming for uniform, approximately 1/8-inch thick slices. For best results, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture and help the cucumbers absorb the dressing.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining minced garlic, red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru), rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Whisk the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Gently squeeze out any excess water from the salted cucumber slices using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber slices and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Let the salad marinate for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or banchan with your favorite Korean meal.
Tips
- Choose the right cucumber: English or Korean cucumbers work best for this recipe. They're crunchier and have fewer seeds.
- Salt technique is crucial: Salting the cucumbers helps draw out excess moisture and prevents a watery salad. Don't skip this step!
- Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of red chili pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the dressing fully.
- Toast your sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan for an extra nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum refreshment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
