Korean Seasoned Cucumbers with Perilla Seeds (Oi Deulkkae Muchim) – Easy Crunchy Korean Side Dish Recipe
Easy Korean Seasoned Cucumbers with Perilla Seeds (Oi Deulkkae Muchim) – Fresh & Nutty Korean Side Dish
👨🍳 Tysoon's Korean Kitchen / Authentic Korean Recipes Made Easy
https://tysoonkorea.blogspot.com/2026/07/korean-seasoned-cucumbers-with-perilla.html
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What Is Korean Seasoned Cucumbers with Perilla Seeds?
Korean Seasoned Cucumbers with Perilla Seeds (Oi Deulkkae Muchim / 오이 들깨무침) is a light and refreshing Korean side dish made by salting sliced cucumbers, removing excess moisture, and seasoning them with ground perilla seeds, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds.
Unlike many Korean cucumber dishes that use gochugaru or gochujang for heat, this version is mild and nutty rather than spicy.
Ground perilla seeds give the dressing an earthy, creamy, and distinctly Korean flavor, while the cucumber provides a fresh crunch.
It is an easy Korean banchan that pairs well with steamed rice, grilled meat, fish, noodles, or other strongly seasoned Korean dishes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
This cucumber side dish requires only simple preparation and no actual cooking.
Salting the cucumbers for about 20 minutes draws out excess moisture and lightly seasons them before the dressing is added.
Ground perilla seeds create a rich, nutty flavor without making the dish heavy, while vinegar provides a little acidity and sugar balances the seasoning.
Because this recipe does not use chili peppers, it is a useful option when you want a mild Korean side dish alongside spicy foods.
It can be prepared quickly and served as part of an everyday Korean meal.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers — 3 (600 g)
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Ground perilla seeds — 1 tsp
- Vinegar — 1 tsp
- Sugar — 1 tsp
- Sesame oil — 1 tsp
- Salt — 1/3 tsp, or to taste
- Minced garlic — 1/2 tsp
- Sesame seeds — 1 tsp
How to Make Korean Seasoned Cucumbers with Perilla Seeds
Step 1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash 3 cucumbers (600 g) thoroughly.
Trim both ends and remove the blossom ends.
Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a mixing bowl.
Try to keep the slices similar in thickness so they salt evenly.
Step 2. Salt the Cucumbers
Add 1 tsp salt to the sliced cucumbers.
Mix thoroughly so the salt is evenly distributed.
Let the cucumbers sit for approximately 20 minutes.
During this time, the salt draws moisture from the cucumbers and slightly softens them while preserving a pleasant bite.
Step 3. Remove Excess Moisture
After 20 minutes, place the salted cucumbers in a clean cloth or sieve.
Squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
Transfer the drained cucumbers to a clean mixing bowl.
Removing this moisture is especially important because it prevents the finished dressing from becoming watery.
Step 4. Make the Perilla Seed Dressing
In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 tsp ground perilla seeds
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
Step 5. Season the Cucumbers
Pour the prepared perilla seed dressing over the cucumbers.
Toss gently until all the cucumber slices are evenly coated.
Avoid squeezing or crushing the cucumbers while mixing.
Step 6. Finish with Sesame Seeds
Transfer the seasoned cucumbers to a serving plate.
Sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds over the top.
Serve immediately as a refreshing Korean side dish.
▶️ Watch how to make this recipe step by step
Why Salt the Cucumbers First?
Cucumbers contain a large amount of water.
If raw sliced cucumbers are mixed directly with seasoning, they gradually release that water into the dressing and can make the finished dish watery.
Salting them first draws out some of that moisture before the dressing is added.
This also lightly seasons the cucumber from within.
After salting for about 20 minutes, removing as much excess moisture as possible helps the perilla seed dressing coat the cucumber more effectively.
Why Is Removing Moisture Important?
The texture and seasoning of this dish depend heavily on moisture control.
Ground perilla seeds naturally absorb liquid. If too much cucumber water remains, the dressing can become diluted and lose its rich, nutty character.
Properly drained cucumbers also maintain a better texture during storage.
Use a clean cloth or sieve and squeeze carefully. The goal is to remove excess water without crushing the cucumber slices.
What Are Perilla Seeds?
Perilla seeds (들깨 / deulkkae) come from the perilla plant and are widely used in Korean cooking.
When ground, they have a distinctive nutty, earthy, and slightly creamy flavor.
Ground perilla seeds are used in Korean soups, stews, vegetable dishes, and seasonings. They can add richness without requiring dairy or a heavy sauce.
In this cucumber dish, the ground seeds coat the sliced cucumbers and give an otherwise simple vegetable side dish its distinctive flavor.
Perilla Seeds vs. Sesame Seeds
Although perilla seeds and sesame seeds are both used frequently in Korean cooking, they do not taste the same.
Ground perilla seeds have a deeper, earthier flavor and can create a slightly creamy texture when mixed into a dressing or soup.
Sesame seeds have a more familiar roasted, nutty aroma.
This recipe uses ground perilla seeds in the dressing and sesame seeds as the finishing garnish, allowing both flavors to contribute to the finished dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground Perilla Seeds → Ground Sesame Seeds
If Korean ground perilla seeds are unavailable, ground sesame seeds can be used.
The flavor will be different because sesame does not have the same earthy character as perilla, but it will still provide a pleasant nutty taste.
Korean Cucumber → English Cucumber
English cucumber is a practical substitute because of its thin skin and crisp texture.
Korean Cucumber → Persian Cucumber
Persian cucumbers also work well and provide a firm, crunchy texture.
Vinegar → Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is a good choice when you want a mild acidity.
Vinegar → Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can also be used, although its flavor is slightly different.
Sesame Oil
Use toasted sesame oil for the closest nutty aroma.
Sugar → Honey or Maple Syrup
Honey or maple syrup can be used if necessary.
Because their sweetness and flavor differ from sugar, adjust the amount to taste.
Shopping Tips
Choosing Cucumbers
Look for cucumbers that are:
- Firm
- Crisp
- Bright in color
- Free from soft spots
- Not excessively wrinkled
Fresh, firm cucumbers produce the best texture after salting.
Choosing Ground Perilla Seeds
Ground perilla seeds may be labeled:
- Perilla seed powder
- Ground perilla seeds
- Deulkkae-garu (들깨가루)
They are most commonly available at Korean grocery stores.
If you buy a larger package, close it tightly after opening and follow the package storage instructions because ground seeds can lose freshness over time.
Choosing Sesame Oil
Look for toasted sesame oil at Korean or Asian grocery stores.
A small amount provides a strong nutty aroma, so there is no need to use a large quantity.
Choosing Sesame Seeds
Toasted sesame seeds can be used directly.
If you purchase untoasted sesame seeds, lightly toast them in a dry pan before using to develop more aroma.
Shopping in North & South America
English and Persian cucumbers are commonly available in supermarkets and produce markets.
Ground perilla seeds may be harder to find in ordinary supermarkets, so Korean grocery stores, larger Asian markets, or online Asian food retailers are usually better options.
Sesame oil and sesame seeds are generally easier to find in international or Asian food sections.
Why This Cucumber Dish Is Not Spicy
Many people associate Korean cucumber side dishes with spicy red seasoning.
However, Korean cucumber dishes can be prepared in many different ways.
This recipe contains no gochugaru, gochujang, or chili peppers.
Instead, its main flavor comes from ground perilla seeds, sesame oil, garlic, vinegar, and a small amount of sugar.
That makes it particularly useful alongside spicy Korean dishes because the fresh cucumber and mild nutty seasoning provide contrast.
What to Serve with Oi Deulkkae Muchim
This cucumber side dish works particularly well with meals that contain stronger or richer flavors.
Serve it with:
- Steamed rice
- Korean BBQ
- Grilled pork or beef
- Grilled fish
- Spicy stir-fried dishes
- Korean noodles
- Soups and stews
- Other Korean banchan
Its cool, fresh character makes it especially enjoyable with hot or spicy foods.
Storage
Store leftover seasoned cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For the best texture and flavor, eat them within 1–2 days.
Cucumbers naturally continue releasing moisture after they are seasoned, so the dish will gradually become softer and more watery during storage.
If some liquid collects at the bottom of the container, gently toss the cucumbers again before serving.
Freezing is not recommended because it will significantly change the cucumber's texture.
FAQ
Q1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, but it tastes best when freshly prepared.
If necessary, refrigerate it in an airtight container and eat it within 1–2 days.
Q2. What If I Can't Find Ground Perilla Seeds?
Ground sesame seeds can be used as an alternative.
The flavor will not be identical, but the dish will still have a nutty character.
Q3. What Kind of Cucumber Works Best?
Fresh, firm cucumbers work best.
Outside Korea, English or Persian cucumbers are good choices because they have relatively thin skins and a crisp texture.
Q4. Do I Need to Peel the Cucumbers?
Not necessarily.
If the cucumber skin is thin and fresh, it can be left on.
If the skin is unusually thick or tough, you can remove some or all of it according to preference.
Q5. Why Is My Cucumber Salad Watery?
The cucumbers may not have been drained thoroughly enough after salting.
Make sure to remove as much excess moisture as possible before adding the dressing.
Q6. Is This Dish Spicy?
No.
This version does not contain chili peppers, gochugaru, or gochujang.
Its primary flavor is mild, savory, and nutty.
Q7. Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes.
Thinly sliced onion or carrot can be added for additional texture if desired.
Q8. Can I Use Sesame Seeds Instead of Perilla Seeds?
Ground sesame seeds can be used when perilla seeds are unavailable.
However, the flavor will be different because perilla has a distinctive earthy character.
Q9. Why Do I Salt the Cucumbers for 20 Minutes?
Salting draws out excess moisture and lightly seasons the cucumbers.
This helps prevent the finished dressing from becoming overly watery.
Q10. Can I Freeze Oi Deulkkae Muchim?
Freezing is not recommended.
Cucumbers contain a large amount of water and lose their crisp texture after freezing and thawing.
Cooking Tips
Choose fresh and firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
Slice the cucumbers evenly so they salt at approximately the same rate.
Mix the salt thoroughly through the cucumber slices.
Allow the cucumbers to sit for the full 20 minutes.
Remove excess moisture thoroughly before adding the dressing.
Use ground perilla seeds rather than whole perilla seeds for this recipe.
Mix the dressing separately before adding it to the cucumbers.
Toss gently so the cucumber slices remain intact.
Taste before adding extra salt because the cucumbers were already salted during the preparation stage.
Add sesame seeds just before serving.
For the best texture, enjoy the dish as fresh as possible.
🥒 Related Korean Recipes
1. How to Make Cucumber Kimchi (Oi Kimchi)
2. Easy Korean Seasoned Soybean Sprouts (Kongnamul Muchim)
Enjoy your Korean cooking! 👨🍳
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