Korean Marinated Cucumber Banchan Food

SPICY MARINATED CUCUMBERS (OEE MUCHIM)

Steps:

• Brine cucumbers: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the cucumbers into ⅓-inch rounds. Place in a colander fitted over a bowl and add salt; mix well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly salted. Let rest at room temperature to drain, 20 minutes. While they drain, prepare the marinade (Step 2).
• Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the gochugaru, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce. Smash and peel the garlic, then finely chop. Use the flat part of your knife to press down on the garlic to further break it down, then continue to mince. Add the garlic to the marinade.
• Marinate cucumbers: Rinse all the salt off the cucumbers with cold water. Whisk the marinade, then add the cucumbers; use a large spoon to toss, making sure the cucumbers are evenly coated with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Cucumbers will have released more liquid, which helps the marinating process. At this point, they're ready to eat; however, refrigerating overnight will round out the flavors. Place the cucumbers, along with some marinade, in a lidded container and store in the fridge overnight; serve cold. (The cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or for as long as the cucumbers remain firm and crunchy.)

OI MUCHIM (SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD)

Steps:

• Thinly slice the cucumber (1/8 to 1/4-inch thick). Toss gently with salt and set aside for about 15 minutes.
• Drain excess liquid. Avoid squeezing them because they will bruise. Mix well with all of the remaining ingredients. Taste a little and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

SPICY KOREAN MARINATED CUCUMBER, OI MUCHIM (오이무침)

Steps:

• Gather all the ingredients. Prepare the cucumbers. Peel and discard some of the skin and cut into ½ inch thick rounds. Place in a large bowl. Add salt, sugar and gochugaru to cucumbers and mix well. Use disposable gloves to combine and massage the seasoning into the cucumber slices until well coated, about 2 minutes.
• Transfer cucumbers to colander, and set colander inside the large bowl to allow the juices to drain. Cut a piece of parchment paper large enough to cover the surface of the cucumbers. Place parchment paper on top of cucumbers and set a weight (such as a heavy pan, canned goods, cast iron skillet, bowl filled with water, etc.) on top to press down. Set aside and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour).
• In a separate bowl, whisk all the remaining ingredients, except for the toasted sesame seeds, until well combined. Set aside.
• When the cucumbers have rested, remove weight, and discard parchment paper. Using clean gloved hands, squeeze cucumber slices to remove any excess liquid. Transfer to bowl with the prepared dressing. Toss cucumber in dressing until well coated. Add sesame seeds (and chopped scallions if using) and mix till evenly distributed. Divide into desired portions, and serve immediately.

SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD SIDE DISH

Steps:

• Cut the cucumber lengthwise in half and cut diagonally into thin slices.
• Put the cucumber into a large bowl. Add the onion, green onion, garlic, soy sauce, hot pepper flakes, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and sugar.
• Mix it well with a spoon until the sugar is well dissolved.
• Serve as a side dish for rice, noodles, or BBQ.