Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with bold flavors, Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) is the perfect addition to any meal. This quick and easy side dish features thinly sliced English cucumbers tossed in a zesty blend of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and nutty sesame oil. The brief salting process enhances the cucumbers’ texture while drawing out excess moisture, creating a satisfying crunch in every bite. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this vibrant salad is a celebration of Korean cuisine's signature balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, it's an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, summer barbecues, or as a flavorful pairing to rice and grilled meats.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large English cucumber
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 1 tablespoon Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 stalks Green onion
• 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.

Step 2

Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss well to coat the cucumber evenly.

Step 3

Let the salted cucumbers sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to draw out excess moisture and enhance the texture.

Step 4

While waiting, prepare the other ingredients: mince the garlic and thinly slice the green onions.

Step 5

Once 10 minutes have passed, gently squeeze the cucumber slices to remove any excess water and transfer them to a clean bowl.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, sliced green onions, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Mix well to make the dressing.

Step 7

Pour the dressing over the squeezed cucumbers and toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated.

Step 8

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt or gochugaru as desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(396.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	236.9

Total Fat 16.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2918.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 20.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.6g	0%
Total Sugars 7.3g
Protein 5.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 89.7mg	0%
Iron 2.1mg	0%
Potassium 748.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.4%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 32.4%