Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Oi-muchim)

A Refreshing and Spicy Side Dish

Oi-muchim, a popular Korean side dish, is a light and spicy mixture of cucumber, red pepper powder and vinegar. The cucumbers are cubed into small cubes and then tossed with a dressing made of red pepper, garlic, sesame oil, and vinegar. The dish is usually served with cooked white rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Korean meal.

Making oi-muchim is simple, but there are a few crucial steps that should be followed in order to achieve a perfectly balanced dish. The cucumbers should be cubed very finely and in equal amounts, and it’s important to salt and then press them first to draw out some of their water. The dressing should also be carefully made, using fresh garlic, red pepper, and salt to taste.

Finally, the cucumbers and dressing should be combined just before serving for the best flavor; thoroughly mixing the cucumbers into the dressing will give it a juicy texture and the red pepper powder will give it its signature spicy kick. This recipe for oi-muchim is a great way to enjoy a traditional Korean side dish in a refreshing, spicy way.

For a full step-by-step guide to making this spicy cucumber salad, check out this tutorial.