Korean Cucumber Pickle Recipes

OIJI (KOREAN PICKLED CUCUMBERS)

Steps:

• Rinse the cucumbers, and air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.
• Bring the water and salt to a boil, and continue to boil for 3 or 4 minutes.
• Place the cucumbers in a jar or a container (heat proof, BPA free). Pour the boiling water directly over the cucumbers, or you can put the cucumbers in the pot with the boiling water.
• Keep them entirely submerged in the water by weighing them down with a heavy plate or bowl. When the salt water has cooled down, close with the lid, and let stand at room temperature.
• After 2 to 3 days, pour the brine out into a large pot, and boil it for a few minutes. If there's a while film (golmaji) on the surface of the water, strain it out before boiling. Then, cool completely.
• Pour the cooled brine back over the cucumbers. Close with the lid, and ferment at room temperature for 5 to 7 days, and then refrigerate. The color of oiji should be between olive green and yellow at this point. They can be eaten, but the flavor will further develop with more time, 2 to 3 weeks to a few weeks.
• To serve, thinly slice the cucumber and soak in fresh water until the desired salt level is achieved. You can also cut the cucumber into about 2-inch logs and quarter each one lengthwise. Sprinkle with some gochugaru and/or sesame seeds and garnish with chopped scallion, if desired. You can also add a little bit of vinegar to taste and drop in a couple of ice cubes.

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN PICKLED CUCUMBER: A RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• To make the dish, you'll need to begin by cutting cucumbers into either uniform strips or round slices. You can use mandoline for thinner strips, if you'd like.
• Next, you should sprinkle the cucumbers with sugar and salt and toss gently to combine.
• Once the cucumbers have been sprinkled, add vinegar. You need to stir it to make sure all of the cucumbers are coated.
• Once you've completed this step, let the cucumbers sit for about 20 minutes before serving them to your guests. If you've adjusted any of the ingredients, you may want to taste test one of the cucumbers yourself to make sure the flavor is exactly how you like it. If you're cooking the dish for your family, have a spouse or child try one of the cucumbers and let you know what they think about the seasoning.

OI MUCHIM

Steps:

• Toss the cucumber with the red pepper flakes, sugar and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and let "cure" at room temperature, tossing halfway through, until the cucumber has softened and released some liquid, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a colander and drain well (do not rinse).
• Whisk together the rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce and garlic until combined. Pour over the cucumber mixture, add the sesame seeds and toss until well combined. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

SPICY KOREAN CUCUMBER PICKLES (OI MUCHIM)

Steps:

• Squeeze the cucumber pieces firmly to release more water; doing this in small handfuls will be the most effective.
• Cover and chill the pickles for at least 30 to 60 minutes before serving.

FLASH KOREAN JAPANESE STYLE CUCUMBER AND DAIKON PICKLES

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a screw on top or close fitting top.
• The vegetables will release liquids as they pickle. Shake them every now and then for the first 3-4 days.
• Keep in refrigerator and enjoy with Korean or Japanese themed meals. Great on barbecues.

KOREAN CHEESEBURGERS WITH SESAME-CUCUMBER PICKLES

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add cucumbers and toss to coat, then let stand at room temperature.
• Heat broiler to high and set oven rack set 6 inches from heat. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, scallions, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix well, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the marinade to a small bowl and stir in mayonnaise and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine beef and 3 tablespoons of the scallion marinade. Gently mix to incorporate. Form into 8 thin patties (each about 4 ½ inches wide) and arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush tops with half of the remaining marinade. Flip and brush with the remaining marinade. Broil until golden and caramelized on top, about 4 minutes.
• Arrange cheese on 4 patties, top with the remaining patties and let stand until cheese melts, about 1 minute.
• Pour off all the liquid from the cucumbers and stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons sesame oil.
• Smear the cut side of the buns with some of the seasoned mayonnaise. Arrange bottom buns on plates. Layer with lettuce, onion, tomato, double-stack burgers, pickles and top bun. Serve with extra pickles on the side.