Oi Kimchi (오이김치)
Korea
Super simple cucumber kimchi — crunchy, juicy and aromatic. It can be eaten the same day, or left at room temperature to develop a more pronounced fermented flavor.
Ingredients
- 680 g cucumber
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
- 2-3 pcs garlic clove
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 0.25 pcs onion
- 2-3 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp fermented shrimp
- 0.5 tsp grated ginger
- 2-3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Steps
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Slice the cucumbers lengthwise in half, then halve each half again. Cut the resulting quarters into pieces about 2.5–3.5 cm long. Sprinkle them with salt, distributing evenly, and let sit for about 30 minutes to release their juice.
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Drain the cucumbers well in a colander to remove the released moisture. Do not rinse them.
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Cut the garlic cloves into pieces about 3.5 cm long, and slice the onion into thin half‑rings.
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In a large bowl, add the drained cucumbers together with the sliced onion, garlic, and all remaining ingredients (gochugaru, fish sauce, fermented shrimp, minced garlic, ginger, sugar, toasted sesame seeds). Mix thoroughly until the cucumbers are completely coated with the seasoning.
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Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ferment, then store in the refrigerator if desired.
FAQ
What is Oi Kimchi (오이김치)?
Oi Kimchi (오이김치) is a traditional Korean cucumber kimchi, known for its refreshing crunch and spicy, tangy flavor. It's often enjoyed fresh or lightly fermented.
How long does it take to make Oi Kimchi (오이김치)?
This Oi Kimchi recipe takes approximately 45 minutes of active preparation time, plus additional time for salting the cucumbers.
Can I make Oi Kimchi (오이김치) less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to your preference to make the Oi Kimchi milder.
What can I substitute for fish sauce or fermented shrimp in Oi Kimchi (오이김치)?
For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can omit fish sauce and fermented shrimp, or use a vegetarian 'fish sauce' alternative or a pinch of mushroom powder for umami.
In which Ghibli movies or anime can I see kimchi?
While specific kimchi appearances in Ghibli films are rare, the spirit of wholesome, traditional Asian cooking seen in movies like 'Spirited Away' or 'Howl's Moving Castle' perfectly matches the authentic culinary experience of making Oi Kimchi.