Recipe Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Korean Cucumber Salad, known as Oi Muchim, is a refreshing side dish.

Korean Cucumber Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for any meal.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a main dish or enjoying it as a light snack, this salad will surely please your taste buds. Plus, it’s healthy and quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy days. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Korean classic!

Ingredients Needed For Korean Cucumber Salad

The Korean Cucumber Salad, also known as “Oi Muchim,” is a refreshing and tangy dish. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a side dish. To create this delightful salad, you need a few key ingredients. Let’s dive into the ingredients needed for Korean Cucumber Salad and see what makes this dish so special.

Main Ingredients

The main ingredients for Korean Cucumber Salad are simple yet essential. These fresh components bring the salad to life. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cucumber: 400g (2 cucumbers, ~0.88 lbs)
• Chives or Onion (optional): 10g (1/5 onion or equivalent amount of chives)
• Salt: 5g (1 teaspoon)

Seasonings

The seasonings give the Korean Cucumber Salad its unique flavor. They add spice, sweetness, and umami. Here’s a list of the seasonings you need:

• Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes): 14g (2 tablespoons).
• Red Pepper Paste: 8g (1/2 tablespoon)
• Minced Garlic: 5g (1 teaspoon)
• Soy Sauce: 15g (1 tablespoon)
• Vinegar: 22g (1.5 tablespoons)
• Sugar (optional): 4g (1 teaspoon)
• Sesame Oil: 7g (1/2 tablespoon)
• Whole Sesame Seeds: to taste (a small sprinkle, approximately 2g)
• Garlic: 1 teaspoon

1. Prepare The Ingredients

The first step is to prepare the ingredients. This step is crucial for a fresh and crunchy salad. Follow these easy steps to get everything ready.

Slice The Cucumbers

To start, you need fresh cucumbers. Pick firm, bright green cucumbers for the best taste. Wash them under cold water to remove any dirt. Use a clean cutting board and a sharp knife.

• Cut off both ends of the cucumbers.
• Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Try to make each slice about 1/8 inch thick.
• If you prefer, use a mandoline slicer for even slices.

Slicing the cucumbers thinly is important. It helps them absorb the flavors better. Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle them with a little salt. The salt will draw out excess water and make the cucumbers crispier.

Let the cucumbers sit for 10-15 minutes. After that, rinse them under cold water to remove the salt. Drain well and pat them dry with a paper towel. Now, your cucumbers are ready for the next steps.

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Optional: Chop The Chives Or Onion

Chives or onions add a nice flavor to the salad. This step is optional, but it makes the salad tastier. Choose fresh chives or a medium-sized onion.

• For chives, wash and pat them dry.
• Chop the chives finely. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch long.
• If using an onion, peel and slice it thinly.

Chopped chives or onions add a subtle bite to the salad. They also add color, making the dish look more appealing. Add the chopped chives or onions to the bowl with the cucumbers. Mix them well to combine.

Now, you have prepared all the ingredients. Your Korean Cucumber Salad is one step closer to being ready. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant taste!

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2. Salt The Cucumbers

The second step in preparing this delightful salad is to salt the cucumbers. This step is crucial as it helps in drawing out excess moisture, making the cucumbers crisper and more flavorful.

Apply Salt To Cucumbers

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Use cold water to remove any dirt. Next, slice the cucumbers thinly. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer for even cuts. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.

Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of salt over the cucumbers. Make sure the salt is evenly distributed. Use your hands to gently toss the cucumber slices, ensuring every piece is coated with salt. This process helps to draw out the water from the cucumbers, making them crunchier.

Here’s a simple table to guide you:

Step	Action
1	Wash cucumbers
2	Slice thinly
3	Place in a bowl
4	Sprinkle salt
5	Toss to coat

This step may seem simple, but it is essential for the perfect texture. The salt helps to enhance the flavor of the cucumbers, giving your salad a delicious taste.

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Let The Cucumbers Sit

After salting, let the cucumbers sit for about 20 to 30 minutes. This waiting period allows the salt to do its job. You’ll notice that the cucumbers start to release water. This is exactly what you want.

During this time, you can prepare other ingredients for your salad. You could chop garlic, slice green onions, or mix the dressing. This way, you make the most of your time.

After the cucumbers have sat, you will need to drain the excess water. Use a colander to drain the cucumbers. You can also gently squeeze them to remove any remaining water. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as you don’t want to crush the cucumbers.

Once drained, your cucumbers are ready for the next steps. They should feel firm and crisp. This process ensures that your Korean Cucumber Salad has the perfect texture and flavor.

Recommend: Lebanese Cucumber Salad Recipe

3. Mix The Seasonings

This step is crucial because it brings out the delicious, tangy, and spicy flavors. Let’s dive into the details of how to mix the seasonings to make your salad irresistible.

Combine Red Pepper Flakes, Paste, And Garlic

Begin by combining the red pepper flakes, paste, and garlic. This mixture forms the base of your seasoning. Here’s how you do it:

• Take a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of Korean red pepper flakes. These flakes provide the essential spicy kick.
• Next, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper paste. The paste adds depth and a rich flavor.
• Finally, mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl. Garlic gives a robust aroma and taste.

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure they blend well. The garlic should be finely minced to distribute evenly throughout the mixture. This combination of red pepper flakes, paste, and garlic creates a spicy and flavorful base for your salad.

Ingredient	Quantity
Korean Red Pepper Flakes	14g (2 tablespoons)
Red Pepper Paste	8g (1/2 tablespoon)
Garlic (minced)	1 teaspoon

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Add Soy Sauce, Vinegar, And Sugar

Now, let’s add the soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to balance the flavors. Follow these steps:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to the bowl. Soy sauce brings a salty and umami flavor.
2. Pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Vinegar adds a tangy taste, enhancing the salad’s freshness.
3. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Sugar balances the spicy and tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Mix all these ingredients well. The soy sauce should coat the red pepper flakes and paste evenly. The vinegar will cut through the spice, and the sugar will mellow the flavors, creating a harmonious blend.

This seasoning mix is the heart of your Korean Cucumber Salad. It ensures every bite is a burst of flavors. Enjoy the process and make sure each ingredient is well-mixed for the best results.

Ingredient	Quantity
Soy Sauce	15g (1 tablespoon)
Vinegar	22g (1.5 tablespoons)
Sugar	4g (1 teaspoon)

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4. Assemble And Serve

Assemble and Serve, brings everything together for a refreshing and flavorful experience. This step ensures that the cucumbers are well-coated with seasonings and garnished with sesame oil and seeds, adding a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.

Mix Cucumbers With Seasonings

To start assembling your salad, mix the cucumbers with the seasonings. This step is crucial as it infuses the cucumbers with a burst of flavors. Follow these simple steps to achieve the best results:

• Combine cucumbers with salt: Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess water, making the cucumbers crispier.
• Rinse and drain: After salting, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove the excess salt. Drain them well to avoid a watery salad.
• Add garlic: Mince a few cloves of garlic and mix them with the cucumbers. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the salad.
• Add chili flakes: Sprinkle red chili flakes for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Mix in sugar and vinegar: Add a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of rice vinegar. The sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar, creating a harmonious taste.

Ensure each cucumber slice is evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is vital for a flavorful salad.

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Add Sesame Oil And Seeds Before Serving

Adding sesame oil and seeds just before serving enhances the salad’s taste and texture. Follow these steps for the perfect finishing touch:

1. Drizzle sesame oil: Pour a teaspoon of sesame oil over the seasoned cucumbers. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
2. Sprinkle sesame seeds: Lightly toast a tablespoon of sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden. Sprinkle them over the salad. The seeds add a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty taste.
3. Garnish with green onions: Finely chop green onions and sprinkle them over the salad. They add a fresh and mild onion flavor.

By adding sesame oil and seeds right before serving, you ensure that the flavors remain vibrant and the textures stay crisp. This final step transforms a simple cucumber salad into a delightful Korean dish.

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Nutritional Benefits

Let’s delve into the various nutritional benefits of this delightful salad.

Low-calorie Snack

This Korean Cucumber Salad is a low-calorie snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Cucumbers are naturally low in calories, making them an ideal choice for those watching their calorie intake. A serving of this salad contains less than 50 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Here are some key points:

• Low in calories – Less than 50 calories per serving.
• High in water content – Helps you feel full longer.
• Rich in fiber – Aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

For those looking to manage their weight, this salad is an excellent option. You can enjoy a generous portion without worrying about excess calorie intake. It’s a perfect snack for in-between meals or as a side dish.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	Less than 50
Fiber	2 grams
Water Content	95%

Hydration Boost

Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, making this salad a fantastic choice for staying hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining bodily functions and overall health.

Benefits of hydration:

• Improves skin health – Keeps your skin moisturized and glowing.
• Supports digestion – Aids in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
• Regulates body temperature – Helps in cooling down your body.

Eating this salad can contribute significantly to your daily water intake. It is especially beneficial during hot summer days when dehydration risks are higher. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also refreshes your palate with its crisp and cool texture.

Vitamins And Minerals

This Korean Cucumber Salad is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, providing a nutritious boost to your diet. Cucumbers contain vitamins such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and several B vitamins.

Key vitamins and their benefits:

• Vitamin K – Essential for bone health and blood clotting.
• Vitamin C – Boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
• B Vitamins – Support energy levels and brain function.

In addition to vitamins, cucumbers are a good source of minerals such as potassium and magnesium. These minerals play a crucial role in maintaining heart health, muscle function, and overall well-being.

Here’s a nutrient breakdown:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Vitamin K	16% of daily value
Vitamin C	14% of daily value
Potassium	4% of daily value

Including this salad in your diet ensures you get a good mix of vitamins and minerals, contributing to your overall health and wellness.