Banchan Cucumber Recipes

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.

KOREAN CUCUMBER SALAD (OI MUCHIM 오이무침)

Steps:

• Slice cucumbers into thin slices. Around 1/8 inch (3 mm).
• Mix soy sauce, vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Pour soy vinegar into the bowl with cucumbers.
• Then, add 1/2 tsp chili powder and sesame seeds. Mix and taste. Add more chili powder if you want. Doing it in this order allows you to taste and control the amount of chili powder based on how spicy you want it.
• Add chopped green onions and mix again.
• YOU ARE DONE!! Serve immediately for the most fresh and crunchy cucumber flavor. You can also let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the cucumbers to absorb the dressing before serving.

CUCUMBER KIMCHI (OI KIMCHI)

Steps:

• Cut off both ends of the cucumber. Divide the cucumber into 3 pieces then cross cut each piece length ways. You should end up with 4 to 5 cm (1.5 inch) length cucumber pieces. Put the cucumber into a large bowl then scatter the coarse sea salt around on top. Gently mix them so that the cucumber gets pickled evenly. Set it aside for 20 minutes.
• Gently brush off the salt from the cucumber then transfer the cucumber into a clean bowl. Pour in the kimchi sauce then mix them gently. (If using) Add the carrots and garlic chives then mix with the rest again. Transfer into a glass container and cover.
• Keep it at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours then move it to the fridge. Serve once chilled.

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.

BANCHAN [CUCUMBER]

Steps:

• 1. Peel skin from cucumbers.
• 2. Julienne the cucumber except the core which contains the seeds.
• 3. Place the cucumber pieces in a large bowl. Mix in the salt and vinegar and mix well so that the pieces of cucumber are coated with salt and vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes.
• 4. Rinse the cucumbers in cold water. Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer to remove excess water. Pat the pieces of cucumber down with a paper towel to remove any excess water.
• 5. Transfer the cucumber to a dry mixing bowl. Add the garlic, red pepper paste, and sugar to the bowl.
• 6. Mix together the ingredients and serve.