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+ servings

Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim, 오이무침)

5 from 15 votes
This Korean Cucumber Salad or Oi Muchim (오이무침) is an easy yet hearty and refreshing salad that you can enjoy as banchan (Korean side-dish) with rice and your favourite mains.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Starters
Cuisine Asian, East Asian, Korean
Servings 4 people
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Cucumber

  • 1 lb Korean, Japanese, or English cucumbers (any pickling cucumbers are great!)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt

Dressing

For serving

  • More sesame seeds for topping

Instructions
 

Steps

  • Slice the cucumbers into 1/4 to 3/4-inch (0.6 to 1.9-cm) thick pieces. It’s totally a personal preference if you want your cucumber pieces on the thicker side. I sliced mine into 1/2-inch thick pieces since I like a good bite.
  • Place the sliced cucumbers on a strainer with a catch basin. Add in the salt and mix to coat the cucumbers well. Allow the cucumbers to sit for 30 minutes or even longer to release excess liquid.
    I left mine for 1 hour in the refrigerator. The longer you leave the salted cucumbers, the more liquid it’ll draw out and will release less liquid when it sits in the dressing later on. If you’re enjoying this salad immediately, then you can leave it to sit for 30 minutes. But if preparing ahead, I prepare to allow the cucumbers to sit longer to really draw excess water out.
  • Meanwhile, mix all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Feel free to adjust everything to your desired taste.
  • Drain any excess water from the cucumber, transfer to a large bowl, pour in the dressing, and mix everything well.
  • Top with more sesame seeds, if desired. This is best enjoyed cold. You can enjoy this as-is, as banchan (side dish) with rice, and even noodles.
  • Storage tip: I simply place mine in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Can last for 2 weeks or even longer.

Notes

Salting the Cucumber

  • Salting the cucumbers will help release some of its liquid but it will continue to release liquid as it sits, especially if you prepare this in advance. Don’t worry though because the flavours will be just as good!

NUTRITIONAL INFO

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1018mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
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