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!

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