Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a Korean cucumber and a regular cucumber? ›

Korean cucumbers are generally thinner and longer than other cucumber varieties and are typically used fresh to make pickles, side dishes, and salads.

Happily, salting cucumbers requires only 20 minutes or so and virtually no effort: You just put them in a colander or strainer, toss them with a big pinch of salt or two — the exact quantity doesn't matter, since most of the salt will flow away with the liquid — and let osmosis do its thing.

Best types of cucumber to use for Korean cucumber salad: Korean cucumber or Kirby cucumber. Japanese or Persian cucumber. There's no perfect substitute for Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). Please do not use Italian red pepper flakes as a substitute.

Directions. Wrap each cucumber in plastic wrap to minimize splattering. Place on a work surface and pound with a flat object (like a meat pounder) until cucumbers crack and are slightly flattened. Remove from plastic.

When it comes to the nutritional content of cucumbers, there is generally not a significant difference between different varieties in terms of essential nutrients. Most cucumber varieties are low in calories and provide hydration, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Striped Armenian is one of the sweetest cucumbers. It has small seeds and thin skin. Though it looks like a cucumber, it is actually a melon—a species of Cucumis.

A cucumber's bitterness is caused by cucurbitacin, a bitter chemical that protects the plant from predators. Usually, cucurbitacin stays in the stem and leaves, but it can work its way into the fruit. A cucumber's bitterness is caused by cucurbitacin, a bitter chemical that protects the plant from predators.

When it comes to making the best cucumber salads, I find that unless you take the time to properly salt and drain the cukes, the end product is watery, limp, and less than tasty. This easy extra step makes extra crunchy slices, takes almost no effort at all, but gives a big payout in the crunch department.

Enhance the taste of cucumbers by incorporating herbs and spices. Sprinkle freshly chopped mint, basil, cilantro, or dill over sliced cucumbers to add a burst of freshness. Additionally, spices like black pepper, cumin, or paprika can provide a subtle kick to the cucumbers, making them more interesting and flavorful.

Namul means vegetable or root; muchim means to season. It is a broad term for any and every dish prepared in this manner.

What type of cabbage do Koreans use for? ›

Napa cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. It is also a key ingredient in kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage. Napa cabbage is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.

Red leaf lettuce is probably the most common in modern ssam but other lettuces, steamed or parboiled cabbage, and kaenip (also known as perilla) leaves are also are popular.

The anti-inflammatory properties of cucumber make it great for reducing swelling and puffiness, especially under the eyes. Cucumbers are natural hydrating agents and help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while also hydrating the skin.

Cucumber is filled with many essential nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants, which is why it helps with clogged and visibly enlarged pores, excessive oils, and dryness. In addition, it is rich in water content which boosts hydration levels in the skin and thus, gives a naturally glowing complexion.

Kirby Cucumbers

They have a range of skin color from yellow to dark green. Kirbys are wonderfully crunchy for eating raw, but flavorful enough to be perfect for pickling too. Sometimes, they're even sold under the name "pickling cucumbers."

A Persian cucumber is a small, tender cucumber with a smooth exterior, thin skin, and very few seeds. They're narrower than regular cucumbers and have a crisp interior and mild flavor, and they tend to be less watery than other cucumbers.

Similar to the English, the Armenian cucumber is also long with minimal seeds, but these guys can vary in color from dark green to light green and even yellow-green, and can grow to be curvy or straight. They are botanically classified as a melon and smell a bit like cantaloupe when sliced.

Persian cucumbers, also known as mini cucumbers or baby cucumbers, are a smaller and thinner variety of cucumber compared to regular cucumbers.