Zesty Korean Cucumber Salad, or Oi Muchim, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect as a side or appetizer. With its crunchy texture and a tangy, spicy flavor, this salad adds a burst of freshness to any meal. Made with crisp cucumbers and seasoned with a blend of Korean red chili flakes, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic, it’s both simple and irresistible. This salad is a great way to introduce a bit of Korean flair to your table, complementing heavier dishes with its light and zesty profile.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 Kirby pickling cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon Korean red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 splash of water (about 1-2 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Wash the Kirby cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the roasted sesame seeds, Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru), minced garlic, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), light soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of water. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a smooth, spicy sauce.
- Combine and Toss:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the sliced cucumbers in the large bowl. Using clean hands or a pair of tongs, gently toss the cucumbers with the sauce until they are evenly coated. Be sure that each cucumber slice is well-seasoned with the spicy dressing.
- Marinate:
- Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the cucumbers to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This will also slightly soften the cucumbers while maintaining their crunch.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Zesty Korean Cucumber Salad to a serving plate. Sprinkle a few extra roasted sesame seeds on top for garnish and an added nutty flavor. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish to accompany your favorite Korean dishes, or enjoy it on its own as a light, healthy snack.
Conclusion
Zesty Korean Cucumber Salad is a delightful way to add some spice and freshness to your meal. The crisp cucumbers, combined with the tangy and slightly spicy dressing, create a balanced and flavorful side dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, or enjoying it as a light snack, this salad is sure to bring a burst of flavor to your table.
Zesty Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim): A Refreshing Side Dish
Zesty Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) is arefreshing and crunchy side dish made with pickling cucumbers and a spicy,tangy dressing of gochugaru, soy sauce, and vinegar. It’s quick to prepare andperfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
- 6 Kirby pickling cucumbers (sliced into thin rounds)
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon Korean red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 splash of water (about 1-2 teaspoons)
- Wash the Kirby cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the roasted sesame seeds, Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru), minced garlic, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), light soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of water. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a smooth, spicy sauce.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the sliced cucumbers in the large bowl. Using clean hands or a pair of tongs, gently toss the cucumbers with the sauce until they are evenly coated. Be sure that each cucumber slice is well-seasoned with the spicy dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the cucumbers to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This will also slightly soften the cucumbers while maintaining their crunch.
- Transfer the Zesty Korean Cucumber Salad to a serving plate. Sprinkle a few extra roasted sesame seeds on top for garnish and an added nutty flavor. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish to accompany your favorite Korean dishes, or enjoy it on its own as a light, healthy snack.