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Oi muchim
Spicy cucumber salad
Oi muchim (오이무침): quick spicy cucumber salad
When Korean summers turn sticky, from Daegu's heat to Seoul's monsoon, oi muchim is the ten-minute side dish families make to cool down a hot bowl of rice or a plate of grilled meat. Thin cucumber coins are salted briefly, then tossed with chilli flakes, vinegar, a touch of sugar and sesame, so they stay snappy and bright. It is best made just before eating. The common mistake is skipping the quick salting: unsalted cucumber leaks water into the dressing within minutes and the bowl turns soupy. Chef's tip: a few slivers of onion soaked in cold water for five minutes add sweetness and crunch without any harsh bite.
- Total time
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 garlicclove, grated
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
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Method
0/5 doneStep 2: Meanwhile, soak ¼ onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well.
Step 3: Squeeze the cucumber gently in your hands to press out the salty water, and pat dry.
Step 4: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes), 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 garlic. Add the cucumber and onion and toss until coated.
Step 5: Drizzle with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, scatter 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and serve within the hour.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 45 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 8 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does oi muchim take?
- About 10 minutes in total.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it very spicy?
- It has some heat. Use less chilli for a milder version, or more if you like it hot.
- What can I use instead of cucumbers?
- Courgette, same weight (in salads, use young ones).
- What can I use instead of onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
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