Oiji || Pickled Cucumber, 黄瓜酱菜, 小黃瓜醬菜, キュウリの漬物, 오이지 4

Oiji is a traditional Korean pickle that is loved by many for its crisp texture and tangy flavor. It’s a popular side dish that pairs well with rice, other side dishes, or even as a wrap for grilled meats.

How to Make Oiji (Basic Recipe)

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp cucumbers
• Salt: Used to pickle the cucumbers
• Soy sauce: Used to season the cucumbers
• Sugar: Adds sweetness
• Garlic: Adds flavor
• Ginger: Removes any unpleasant odors and adds fragrance

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, remove any excess water, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Salt the cucumbers: Sprinkle salt evenly over the cucumbers and let them sit for a while. The time will vary depending on the thickness of the cucumbers.
3. Remove excess salt: Rinse the salted cucumbers with water and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
4. Make the seasoning: Mix soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the seasoning.
5. Combine: Add the seasoning to the cucumbers and mix well.
6. Ferment: Place the mixture in an airtight container and let it ferment in a cool place for about a day. Then, store it in the refrigerator.

How to Enjoy Oiji

• As a side dish: Serve with rice for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
• As a wrap: Wrap grilled meats or other proteins in oiji for a refreshing taste.
• In bibimbap: Add oiji to bibimbap for a crunchy and tangy texture.
• In cold noodles: Add oiji to cold noodles for a unique flavor.

Variations of Oiji

You can customize your oiji recipe by adding different ingredients:

• Spicy oiji: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and salty oiji: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Fruity oiji: Add fruits like lemon or apple for a refreshing twist.

Storage

Store oiji in the refrigerator for long-term freshness.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of salt to your taste.
• The fermentation time can be adjusted to achieve your desired flavor.
• You can use other vegetables besides cucumbers to make pickles.