Craving a quick and easy recipe for a refreshing and tangy side dish? Look no further than Oi Sobagi, a classic Korean cucumber kimchi. This dish combines the crunchiness of cucumbers with a flavorful marinade, creating a delightful and healthy appetizer or accompaniment to any meal. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a perfect batch of Oi Sobagi ready to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Korea in this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon Korean chili pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
Directions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, and slice off both ends. Cut each cucumber into 4 equal sections.
- Make a lengthwise incision into each cucumber section, without cutting all the way through. Gently open each cucumber section by pressing down on both ends, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Sprinkle sea salt all over the cucumbers, including the insides of the pockets. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, Korean chili pepper flakes, fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- After 20 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold running water to remove the excess salt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Take a spoonful of the marinade and stuff it into each cucumber pocket. Press down gently to ensure even distribution of the filling.
- Place the stuffed cucumbers in an airtight container or glass jar, with the open pockets facing upwards.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the cucumbers, ensuring they are well-coated. Add chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Seal the container or jar, and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. Enjoy the crispiness and tang of Oi Sobagi!