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Quick Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

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A refreshing and spicy Korean cucumber salad perfect for easy summer meals, combining crunchy cucumbers with a tangy, spicy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers (English or Kirby cucumbers)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 scallion, thinly sliced
  • Optional: A pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry cucumbers, then slice thinly about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a medium bowl, sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, and toss to coat. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Drain cucumbers using a colander or sieve and gently press to remove excess water. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine gochugaru, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake until sugar dissolves and sauce is well mixed.
  5. Add drained cucumbers back to the mixing bowl. Pour spicy sauce over cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly. Add scallions and black pepper if using.
  6. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.

Notes

[‘Salting cucumbers is essential to draw out moisture and keep the salad crisp.’, ‘Use fresh garlic for best flavor.’, ‘Adjust gochugaru amount to control heat level.’, ‘Letting the salad rest improves flavor and mellows garlic sharpness.’, ‘Serve chilled or at room temperature.’, ‘For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.’, ‘Optional additions include scallions, black pepper, radishes, carrots, zucchini, or fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.’, ‘Can be made ahead and tastes better after a few hours in the fridge; consume within 2-3 days.’, ‘Avoid freezing as cucumbers lose texture.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean cucumber salad, Oi Muchim, spicy cucumber salad, summer salad, quick Korean recipe, easy side dish, Korean spicy salad

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/quick-korean-spicy-cucumber-salad-recipe-perfect-for-easy-summer-meals/