Spicy Gochugaru Cucumber Salad

By カミラ · August 2025 · 1 minute read
Spicy Gochugaru Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 Lebanese/Chinese cucumbers,
  • salt (optional),
  • low-sodium soy sauce,
  • sugar (optional),
  • minced garlic,
  • green onions,
  • gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes paste),
  • sesame oil,
  • rice vinegar,
  • toasted sesame seedsAlternatives: No gochugaru? Regular red pepper flakes work but lack that smoky sweetness (seriously, get some gochugaru – your taste buds will thank you). Rice vinegar can swap for white vinegar in a pinch.

Method:

  • Prep: Slice cucumbers thin, finely chop green onions, mince garlic
  • Salt & drain: Salt cucumbers for 10 minutes, then drain water
  • Mix: Add 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, minced garlic, green onions, gochugaru to taste, sesame oil, rice vinegar
  • Toss: Combine everything until cucumbers are well coated Finish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds
  • Serve: Let sit 10 minutes for flavors to meld, then serve chilled.
  • Pro tip: Start with less gochugaru and add more – it builds heat quickly!
Written by

カミラ

Kamila founded Oishya after a trip to Sakai left her unable to look at a supermarket knife the same way again. She splits her time between Europe and Japan, working directly with the bladesmiths whose knives the shop carries, and writes about the people, workshops and small rituals behind Japanese craft — the parts that never fit on a spec sheet.

About this piece

If you cook with an Oishya knife, tag @oishyacom. We share our favourite kitchens every month.

From the workshop to your kitchen

Hand-forged Japanese knives, made to be kept.

Six lines, one philosophy. Lifetime warranty. 100-day home trial.

Subscribe

Pieces like this, once a month.

The Slow Letter. Stories from the workshops, a recipe worth keeping. A welcome of 5% off your first order.