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Flavorful Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Oi Muchim

Korean spicy cucumber salad - featured image

A bright, spicy, and tangy Korean cucumber salad that is quick to prepare and perfect as a refreshing side dish to balance rich meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium Korean cucumbers or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of salt (optional, if cucumbers are not seasoned enough)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice 2 medium cucumbers into rounds about 1/8 inch thick. If using Korean cucumbers, no need to peel; peel English cucumbers if preferred.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then gently squeeze to remove moisture.
  3. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, gochugaru, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk until sugar dissolves and ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Transfer drained cucumbers to a mixing bowl. Pour dressing over cucumbers. Add sliced green onions and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad just before serving. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Salt cucumbers lightly to draw out moisture but avoid over-salting. Adjust gochugaru gradually to control spice level. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Let salad chill before serving for better flavor melding. Drain excess liquid before serving if needed.

Nutrition

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