🥒🔥 Ready in just 5 minutes, this Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) is bold, crunchy, and full of flavor!
Perfect with BBQ or as a snack 😋
✔️ Vegan
✔️ Gluten-Free
✔️ 100% Addictive
📲 Grab the full recipe now on the blog!
If you're looking for something quick, crunchy, spicy, and refreshing, this Korean cucumber salad is the perfect side dish. Known as Oi Muchim in Korean cuisine, this dish is often served with Korean BBQ, grilled meats, or simply eaten on its own as a punchy appetizer.
The best part? It only takes 5 minutes to prepare, no cooking required!
🥒 Why You'll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy — ready in 5 minutes
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Vegan and gluten-free
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Crunchy, spicy, and full of umami
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Made with simple pantry ingredients
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Perfect as a side for any Asian-inspired meal
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 medium cucumbers (preferably Korean or Persian)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sugar or maple syrup
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1 tsp toasted sesame oil
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
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Optional: sliced scallions & toasted sesame seeds for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
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Slice the Cucumbers:
Thinly slice your cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. If using English cucumbers, remove seeds to prevent sogginess. -
Salt & Rest (Optional but recommended):
Toss slices with salt and let sit for 10 minutes. This pulls out excess water and enhances crunch. Then, gently squeeze out the moisture. -
Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine garlic, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. -
Toss & Coat:
Pour the sauce over the cucumbers and mix thoroughly to coat every slice. -
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra kick.
🍽️ Serving Tips
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Serve chilled for maximum crunch.
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Best enjoyed the day it's made, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
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Pair with Korean BBQ, tofu dishes, rice bowls, or grilled fish.
🧊 Storage
This salad is best fresh, but if you want to make it ahead, store in an airtight container for up to one day. Beyond that, the cucumbers may become soft due to the salt and vinegar.
Final Thoughts
This Korean cucumber salad is more than just a side dish—it's a flavor bomb. With only a handful of ingredients and no stovetop needed, it’s the perfect quick fix when you’re short on time but craving something bold. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or whipping up a solo lunch, this spicy cucumber salad brings a refreshing, zingy bite to the table.
Try it once, and it might just become your go-to Korean banchan!
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