Sharing today an easy recipe for Cucumber Kimchi. Spicy vegan Kimchi with amazing Korean chili, gochugaru, flavor. You will be surprised how easy it is to make Cucumber Kimchi at home.
It is quick Cucumber Kimchi recipe which means there is no fermentation time. I use a simple Korean seasoning that make quick kimchi flavorful like fermented.
I highly recommend trying this recipe specially if you like kimchi and always keep a jar of kimchi in refrigerator like I do.
With this recipe I’m introducing two Korean chili condiments which are essentials flavors in kimchi. (read on to know more)
Cucumber Kimchi
Cucumber Kimchi is a Korean dish of seasoned cucumber flavored with Korean chili flakes, sesame oil, garlic, and onion. It is called Oi Muchim Or Oi Kimchi. "Oi" means cucumber and "Muchim" means seasoned.
Traditionally Kimchi is fermented in salt and spices. Fermentation gives cucumber signature acidic flavor which is the source of tang in Kimchi.
I'm sharing a quick Cucumber Kimchi recipe today. It is not fermented. But has similar fermented Kimchi flavor. To add the fermented chili flavor in Cucumber Kimchi, I use a fermented Korean chili paste called Gochujang. You will be surprised how a little bit Gochujang makes all the difference to make homemade Cucumber Kimchi extra delicious.
When I started making Cucumber Kimchi at home, I tried at-least 5 batches of Cucumber Kimchi before my husband (not Korean but a Kimchi Enthusiast) finally approved my recipe. :) So, I can assure you that this is the best homemade cucumber kimchi recipe. A must try!
What Do You Need to Make Cucumber Kimchi?
For homemade Cucumber Kimchi you will need two special Korean ingredients i.e. Gochugaru and Gochujang.
Gochugaru is Korean Chili Flakes that are bright roasted chili flakes with distinct fruity flavor. Gochugaru is mild to medium spicy and vegan. You can use this like smoked sweet paprika to flavor stews or soups, or sprinkle on pasta, pizza, or salad for lite fruity heat.
Gochujang is spicy and fermented Korean Chili Paste. I use Gochujang chili paste to give Kimchi the delicious fermented flavor without waiting for fermentation.
Gochujang a delicious condiment.Think about it like a spicy ketchup. It makes a great tasty addition to marinades. The brand I used is vegan which gives me option to make vegan Cucumber Kimchi. I highly recommend trying it once.
Here is a complete list of ingredients to make Cucumber Kimchi:
- Cucumber
- Onion
- Garlic
- Gochugaru, chili flakes
- Gochujang, chili paste (or use sambal chili paste for heat. If you prefer vegan. Make sure to look for vegan chili paste.)
- Sesame Oil (preferably toasted sesame oil)
- Soy Sauce
- Sugar
How To make Cucumber Kimchi?
Making Cucumber Kimchi is very easy. Once you have all the ingredients, it takes couple of minutes to assemble.
When making Cucumber Kimchi to serve right away, I slice cucumbers and onions, add to a bowl with all remaining ingredients i.e. chili flakes, sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, chili paste and sugar. Mix and chill for 20 minutes. Serve.
That's it. Cucumber Kimchi is that quick and easy to make!
Tip: Fresh made Cucumber Kimchi is like a spicy crunchy Cucumber Salad. Serve as a side with BBQ!
Note: It is important to let kimchi sit for 20-30 minutes before serving. This gives ingredients such as garlic and onion to release their juices and add more flavor to the kimchi.
Make Ahead Kimchi:
Cucumber is 50% water. This water drains out when cut cucumber comes in contact with salt or sugar.So to keep Cucumber Kimchi longer, it is very important to salt-cure the cucumber. That is make cucumber sweat water, then make kimchi. This does not remove all water of cucumber but Kimchi will be less watery when sitting for few days in refrigerator.
To make ahead Kimchi, spice and sprinkle 1/2 tbsp salt on slices of cucumber. Cover both sides. Set aside to sweat for at-least 20 minutes. After 20 minutes transfer to a colander, rinse in the water, shake off the access water. Pat dry as much as possible using clean kitchen towel. Next, continue with making Kimchi.
How To Serve Cucumber Kimchi?
Serve Kimchi on the side of grilled meat or with your favorite rice bowl. I also love Cucumber Kimchi sandwiched in a burger or a hearty sandwich. It makes a great fresh spicy topping for baked out-of-the-oven pizza. (yum!)
Friends,try this different way to eat cucumber this summer. This Cucumber Kimchi is the perfect summer dish when served chilled right from the refrigerator.
On your next grocery trip, buy cucumber, Gochujang and Gochugaru to try this homemade Cucumber Kimchi! A jar of Gochugaru and Gochujang will make at-least 10-12 batches of Cucumber Kimchi. One jar = One Cucumber Season. A good cost-effective investment to try a spicy homemade condiment. Happy Kimchi eating. ;)
