**Introduction**
Korean cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse side dishes, many of which belong to the “Seasoned and Mixed” category. One refreshing and popular representative dish is Oi Muchim (오이무침), a spicy Korean cucumber salad. This dish is a perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and tangy flavors, commonly served as a banchan (side dish) alongside rice and main courses. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and incredibly satisfying, especially during warm weather when you crave something light and fresh. If you are new to Korean cuisine or looking to add a simple yet flavorful dish to your meals, Oi Muchim is highly recommended.
**Main Content**
Here is a detailed step-by-step recipe for one serving of Oi Muchim:
**Ingredients:**
– Korean cucumber (오이), 120g (about 1 medium cucumber)
– Garlic, 5g (1 clove)
– Korean red chili flakes (Gochugaru), 5g
– Soy sauce, 10ml (2 tsp)
– Rice vinegar, 10ml (2 tsp)
– Sesame oil, 5ml (1 tsp)
– Sugar, 3g (1 tsp)
– Salt, 2g (½ tsp)
– Sesame seeds, 2g (½ tsp)
– Green onion, 10g (1 tbsp finely chopped)
**Recipe Steps:**
1. **Prepare the cucumber:** Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it thinly, either into rounds or half-moons depending on preference. Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber slices; this will draw out excess moisture. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then gently squeeze or pat dry with paper towels to remove the liquid.
2. **Prepare the seasoning:** Mince the garlic finely and chop the green onion. In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic, Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
3. **Mix the cucumbers:** Add the drained cucumber slices and chopped green onion into the seasoning mixture. Toss everything together evenly so that the cucumber slices are coated well with the spicy, tangy dressing.
4. **Finish and serve:** Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma and a nice finishing touch. You can serve Oi Muchim immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors further.
**Conclusion**
Oi Muchim is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create an exciting flavor experience in Korean cooking. It highlights the Korean culinary principle of balancing spicy, sour, sweet, and savory tastes in a single dish. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or just looking for a healthy and quick side dish, Oi Muchim is a must-try recipe. Enjoy it with rice and grilled meats or add it to your Korean-inspired meal for an authentic touch.
