Korean•healthy

Oiji (Korean Pickled Cucumbers)

Korean fermented cucumber pickles - crunchy with deep tangy flavor!

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

10 to 12 Korean white cucumbers (small and thin (or 20 kirby pickling cucumbers, small and thin))
10 cups water
1 cup Korean coarse salt (about 7 ounces)

1
Rinse the cucumbers, and air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.
2
Bring the water and salt to a boil, and continue to boil for 3 or 4 minutes.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.