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Flavorful Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad Oi Muchim Recipe Easy Perfect for Summer

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A quick and easy Korean cucumber salad that combines crisp cucumbers with a spicy, tangy, and nutty dressing, perfect for summer and refreshing side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers (English or Korean cucumbers work best for crispness, about 400g / 14 oz total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru) or crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick, into rounds or half-moons.
  2. Transfer the sliced cucumbers into a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. After 15 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers or blot with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture without bruising.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons Korean red chili flakes, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is well blended.
  5. Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice evenly without bruising.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. Just before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Salting cucumbers and draining excess water is key to keeping the salad crisp and not watery. Toss gently to avoid bruising cucumbers. Chilling the salad before serving helps flavors meld. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Adjust chili flakes to control spice level. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/flavorful-spicy-korean-cucumber-salad-oi-muchim-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer/