Gyu Kaku’s Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe

If you’ve ever been to Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, you know exactly which dish I’m talking about.

You know – the one that arrives at your table in a little bowl, looking super simple, but somehow disappears in minutes. The one you keep ordering “just one more” of throughout the meal.

Gyu-Kaku’s Spicy Addicting Cucumber isn’t just a menu item – it’s an experience. And yes, it really does live up to its name.

These aren’t your average cucumbers. We’re talking about cold, crunchy cucumber pieces covered in garlic, chili oil, sesame, and tasty seasonings that taste amazing together. It’s cool and spicy at the same time.

You don’t need to wait for your next restaurant visit. This easy recipe takes just 20 minutes and uses stuff you can find at any Asian grocery store.

Want a great snack or party appetizer? This is it. Fair warning: you might want to make extra. These cucumbers disappear fast!

What Makes This Cucumber Recipe So Addictive!

The secret to this dish is the combination of textures and flavors. The cucumbers are crisp and cool, while the sauce is spicy, garlicky, and slightly sweet.

Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, and green onions bring a mild freshness. Every bite delivers a mix of heat, tang, and crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

The balance of spice and freshness is what makes this cucumber recipe truly addictive.

What Type of Cucumbers Work Best?

The kind of cucumber you use matters a lot for this recipe. You want ones that stay crisp and don’t get soggy when mixed with the sauce.

Persian cucumbers are the best choice because they’re small, firm, and have thin skin. You don’t need to peel them, and they keep their crunch even after chilling.

Mini cucumbers are another great option. They’re easy to slice, taste mild, and hold up well in sauces.

If you only have English cucumbers, that works too – just scoop out the large seeds in the center before slicing. Avoid garden cucumbers with thick skin, as they can taste a bit bitter and watery.

Gyu Kaku’s Spicy Addicting Cucumber Ingredients

• Cucumbers (2-3 medium): Fresh, firm cucumbers are ideal. Persian or mini cucumbers give the best crunch. English cucumbers are a good substitute but remove large seeds for the right texture.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Garlic brings a strong, rich flavor. Freshly minced garlic is best. It gives the sauce that delicious aroma that makes the dish so addicting.
• Gochujang (2 tablespoons): This is a Korean chili paste made from red pepper, rice, and soybeans. It’s sweet, spicy, and full of flavor. You can find it in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Gochujang gives this dish its signature spicy kick.
• Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Soy sauce adds saltiness and deep umami flavor. It balances the spice and gives a savory taste. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon): Toasted sesame seeds give a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch. They make the cucumbers taste richer and add a nice finish.
• Garlic-Infused Chili Oil (1 tablespoon): This oil adds heat and a smoky garlic note. You can find it bottled, or you can make it by heating oil with crushed garlic and chili flakes. It really brings everything together.
• Salt (a pinch): Just a pinch helps draw water out of the cucumbers and makes them even crunchier.
• Green Onions (2 stalks): These add freshness, color, and mild onion flavor. Slice them thin for the best texture.

Must-Have Kitchen Appliances

1. Sharp Knife – Slices cucumbers cleanly.
2. Cutting Board – Protects counters and keeps prep safe.
3. Mixing Bowls – One large for cucumbers, one small for sauce.
4. Spoon or Spatula – For mixing ingredients evenly.
5. Measuring Spoons – Ensures the right balance of flavors.
6. Serving Plate or Bowl – Presents the dish nicely.

How To Make Gyu Kaku’s Spicy Addicting Cucumber

Step 1 | Prep the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers well. Cut off both ends and slice them into half-moon shapes about ¼ inch thick. You want them thin but still crunchy. Place the slices in a large bowl.

Step 2 | Mince the Garlic

Peel and finely chop two cloves of garlic. Try to make the pieces small so they blend smoothly into the sauce. You can also use a garlic press if you prefer an even texture.

Step 3 | Make the Spicy Sauce

In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of gochujang, a drizzle of garlic-infused chili oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a small handful of sesame seeds.

Mix everything together until smooth and even.

Step 4 | Combine Cucumbers and Sauce

Pour the sauce over the sliced cucumbers. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top. Use a spoon or your hands to mix well, making sure each cucumber slice is coated with the sauce.

Step 5 | Add Green Onions

Sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions into the bowl. Mix lightly again so the onions are spread throughout the dish. Save a few slices to add on top right before serving.

Step 6 | Chill and Serve

Transfer everything to a serving plate. Let it sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving – this helps the flavors soak in.

Garnish with the remaining green onions and a few extra sesame seeds.

And that’s it! You now have your own Gyu Kaku’s Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe ready to enjoy.

Chef’s Special Notes

• For Extra Crunch: After you slice the cucumbers, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. You will see water pool at the bottom of the bowl. Pour this water out before you add the sauce. This keeps the cucumbers super crisp.
• Control the Heat: If you are new to spicy food, start with just one tablespoon of gochujang. You can always add more later. For more heat, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make it a Meal: This dish is great as a side, but you can also add it to a bowl of hot rice with some grilled chicken for a quick and easy lunch.
• Fresh is Best: This recipe is best eaten the same day you make it. The cucumbers are at their crunchiest right after chilling.

Best Ways to Enjoy This Spicy Cucumber Dish

Serve this when friends come over for dinner or as a side dish with grilled meats like Korean BBQ, teriyaki chicken, or grilled fish. The cool, crunchy cucumbers balance out rich, heavy dishes beautifully.

Pack it in a lunch container for work or school. It makes a satisfying snack that curbs cravings. You can also serve it at parties or potlucks.

At Gyu Kaku restaurants, this cucumber dish arrives in a small ceramic bowl, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. It’s served ice cold as a palate cleanser between bites of grilled meat.

Best Way to Store Leftover Spicy Cucumbers

To keep your spicy cucumbers fresh and crisp, it’s best to prepare the cucumbers and sauce separately if planning ahead. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, combine the cucumbers with the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and flavor. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to two days.

Avoid heating this dish, as it is meant to be enjoyed cold. If the cucumbers feel too chilled, letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes will slightly soften them without losing texture.

Gyu Kaku’s Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe FAQs

1. Why did my cucumbers become watery?

It is normal for a small amount of liquid to appear at the bottom of the bowl. This comes from the salt pulling moisture out of the cucumbers.

To reduce this, you can do the salting step first. Salt the sliced cucumbers, wait 10 minutes, and then drain the water before adding the sauce. This gives you the crispiest result.

2. What if my cucumbers are not crunchy enough?

Use fresh, firm cucumbers. If cucumbers are soft, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps them regain crunch and makes the dish more refreshing.

3. Where can I find gochujang?

Gochujang is available in most grocery stores, usually in the Asian foods section. It comes in small red tubs or bottles. You can also find it online or at Korean or Japanese markets.

4. Can I double or triple this recipe?

Absolutely. Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix the sauce well and toss evenly with all cucumber slices to make sure every piece is coated.

5. Can I adjust the sweetness in the sauce?

Yes. The gochujang already has a subtle sweetness, but you can add a small pinch of sugar or honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Adjust gradually and taste as you go to keep the balance with the spice and saltiness.

6. How can I make this recipe less oily?

Reduce or skip the garlic-infused chili oil. The flavor will remain, as gochujang and soy sauce provide spice and umami. Toss cucumbers lightly instead of fully coating to lower oil content.

7. Can I adjust the tanginess in this recipe?

Yes. A small splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice enhances tanginess. Start with ½ teaspoon and taste. Adjust to achieve the desired balance with the spicy and savory flavors.

Continue to Content

Gyu Kaku's Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe

Yield: 3

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Quick 20-minute Gyu Kaku's Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe with fresh cucumbers, spicy gochujang sauce, and sesame seeds. Perfect crunchy side for any meal.

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Ingredients

• Cucumbers – 2–3 medium, fresh and firm (Persian or mini cucumbers are best; English cucumbers can be used if seeds removed)
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (fresh garlic preferred; can substitute ½ tsp garlic powder)
• Gochujang – 2 tablespoons (Korean chili paste; adds sweet-spicy flavor)
• Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon (low-sodium optional for milder taste)
• Sesame Seeds – 1 tablespoon, toasted (can substitute with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for nut-free version)
• Garlic-Infused Chili Oil – 1 tablespoon (optional, adds smoky heat)
• Salt – a pinch (helps draw out cucumber moisture)
• Green Onions – 2 stalks, thinly sliced (for freshness and garnish)

Instructions

1. Wash cucumbers well. Trim both ends and slice into ¼-inch thick half-moons. Place slices in a large bowl.
2. Peel and finely chop two cloves of garlic or use a garlic press for an even texture.
3. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon garlic-infused chili oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour sauce over cucumber slices. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and mix until all slices are evenly coated.
5. Mix thinly sliced green onions into the cucumbers. Save a few for garnish.
6. Transfer to a serving plate. Chill for 10 minutes in the fridge. Garnish with remaining green onions and extra sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 650mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g

Gyu Kaku’s Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that adds excitement to any meal. It’s fresh, spicy, and simple enough for anyone to make at home.

With just a few ingredients and a short chill time, you get a side dish that feels special every time.