Oi Muchim (Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad)
Local name: 오이무침
In short: Crisp cucumber slices salted briefly, then tossed with chili flakes, garlic, vinegar and sesame oil for a fresh, tangy-hot side in ten minutes. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 50 kcal
Oi muchim is a cucumber side dish Koreans make in summer, when cucumbers are cheap and plentiful. The slices are salted briefly to draw out water so they stay crunchy, then tossed with chili flakes, garlic, vinegar and sesame oil. It is bright, sharp and a little sweet, and it cuts through rich food like grilled pork or fried chicken. Eat it the same day for the best crunch.
Instructions
- Cut the cucumbers into slices about 5 mm (1/4 inch) thick, halving them lengthwise first if they are thick. Toss with the salt and leave for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze the slices gently in your hands and pour off the liquid that collects in the bowl.
- In a clean bowl, mix the chili flakes, garlic, scallions, vinegar, sugar and sesame oil.
- Add the cucumbers and the onion, if using, and toss well until evenly coated.
- Taste and add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar if needed. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve right away.
Tips
- Salt the cucumbers for only 10 minutes. A longer time makes them limp. Use small, thin-skinned cucumbers, or scoop the seeds out of large ones.
- For a milder salad, use 1 tsp of chili flakes. For extra depth, add 1 tsp of gluten-free tamari and reduce the final pinch of salt.
Questions and answers
How long does oi muchim last?
It is best within a few hours. In the fridge it keeps for up to 2 days, though it releases water and softens, so drain it before serving.
Can I make oi muchim less spicy?
Yes. Use 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, or leave them out for a simple garlic and sesame version that is just as refreshing.
What do you serve with oi muchim?
It goes with grilled meat, fried chicken, noodles and plain rice. The sharp, cool crunch is especially good beside rich or oily dishes.
How long does it take to make Oi Muchim (Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad)?
About 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Oi Muchim (Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad)?
About 50 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 50 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
