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Fresh Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Spicy Oi Muchim for Summer

Fresh Korean Cucumber Salad - featured image

A quick and refreshing Korean cucumber salad with a spicy kick, perfect for hot summer days. This easy-to-make side dish balances crisp cucumbers with a flavorful, tangy, and spicy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium seedless cucumbers (about 14 oz / 400g), thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to tablespoons Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru), adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Leave skin on for extra crunch or peel some stripes off for a softer bite.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, toss gently, and set aside for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. After 10 minutes, press the cucumbers gently with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
  4. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, 1 to 1½ tablespoons gochugaru, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and ingredients are well mixed.
  5. Pour the dressing over the drained cucumber slices, add thinly sliced green onions, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each slice.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Salting and draining cucumbers is crucial to keep the salad crunchy and avoid sogginess. Adjust gochugaru amount to control heat. Toast sesame seeds and sesame oil for best flavor. Serve fresh or within 2 hours for optimal crispness. Dressing can be made ahead and tossed just before serving.

Nutrition

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