Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber : A Flavorful Delight

Are you curious about how to make Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber at home? This popular side dish from the famous Japanese BBQ restaurant Gyu Kaku combines the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy cucumbers with a spicy, tangy kick.

With simple ingredients like gochujang paste, soy sauce, and chili oil, this refreshing dish can easily be prepared in your own kitchen. It’s the ideal complement to grilled meats or as a standalone snack that leaves you craving more. Here’s why this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

You’ll find plenty of reasons to enjoy the gyu kaku cucumber recipe. This simple dish combines fresh cucumbers with a spicy and tangy sauce, making it a refreshing side that enhances any meal. Perfect for barbecues or casual dinners, it offers a delightful crunch and a kick of flavor that everyone will love. Here’s why you should give it a go:

  • Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spicy gochujang, tangy rice vinegar, and savory soy sauce creates a flavor explosion that tantalizes the taste buds.
  • Refreshing and Crisp: Fresh cucumbers add a cool crunch, making it a perfect side dish, especially during warm weather.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking time, which makes it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
  • Versatile Side Dish: It pairs well with various main dishes, especially grilled meats, enhancing your meal with its bold flavors.
  • Healthier Option: Made from fresh ingredients, this dish is a light and healthy addition to your dining table.

Key Notes

ServingCaloriesPrep. TimeCook TimeTotal Time
457 kcal10 Mins20 Mins30 Mins

Kitchen Utensils Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef’s Knife & Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon (for mixing)
  • Serving dish

Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber Ingredients

1 Garlic Clove (minced)Check Price
4 Cucumbers (sliced)Check Price
½ Tablespoon Soy SauceCheck Price
½ Tablespoon Scallions (chopped)Check Price
2 Tablespoon Rice Wine VinegarCheck Price
½ Tablespoon Sesame SeedsCheck Price
½ Teaspoon Gochujang PasteCheck Price
½ Teaspoon Granulated SugarCheck Price
¾ Teaspoon Chili oilCheck Price
½ Teaspoon SaltCheck Price

Making Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe

  • Slice the Cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers into thin slices.
  • Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix minced garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, gochujang paste, sugar, chili oil, and kosher salt.
  • Combine: Add the cucumber slices to the sauce and toss everything together so the cucumbers are well coated.
  • Add Scallions and Sesame Seeds: Mix in the chopped scallions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  • Chill: Let the cucumbers sit in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
gyu kaku cucumber recipe

Secret Tips For Better Results

To elevate your gyu kaku spicy cucumber, a few easy tips can significantly improve the flavor and texture of the dish. While it’s tasty on its own, these enhancements will help you create a side that rivals what you’d find at a restaurant. Here are some helpful suggestions to make your cucumbers even more delicious every time:

  • Use Fresh Cucumbers: Ensure your cucumbers are fresh and firm for the best crunch. Persian or English cucumbers work well because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
  • Let the Cucumbers Soak: For a deeper flavor, allow the cucumbers to marinate in the sauce for at least 20 minutes to an hour. This will help the cucumbers absorb all the spicy, tangy flavors.
  • Adjust the Spice: If you prefer more heat, add extra gochujang paste or chili oil. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes to intensify the spice level.
  • Serve Chilled: For the most refreshing taste, serve the cucumber salad cold. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
  • Balancing Flavors: Taste the mixture before serving. If it’s too salty, add a bit more rice vinegar or sugar to balance the flavors. If it’s too sweet, add a little more soy sauce.
  • Customize the Texture: For a more intense crunch, press the cucumber slices between paper towels before tossing them in the sauce to remove excess moisture.

Storage Guidelines

  • Refrigeration: Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
  • Separation of Ingredients: If possible, store the cucumbers separately from the dressing if you plan to eat it later. This will keep the cucumbers crisp. You can mix the cucumbers with the dressing just before serving.
  • Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as cucumbers lose their texture and become mushy after thawing.
  • Stir Before Serving: If storing overnight, make sure to stir the salad before serving to redistribute the flavors, as the dressing may settle.

Serving Suggestions

Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber is a zesty and refreshing dish that goes well with many side options to complete your meal. Choosing the right sides can help balance the heat and flavors of the cucumbers, adding a crunchy or tangy touch to enhance your dining experience. Here are some tasty side dish suggestions that pair wonderfully with this cucumber dish:

FAQs

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers if Japanese cucumbers are unavailable. Just make sure to slice them thinly, and you may want to remove the seeds to maintain the crisp texture.

If you don’t have gochujang, you can use sriracha or a combination of red pepper flakes with a little sugar as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. However, it’s best to eat it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and crunch.

Rice wine vinegar is recommended for its mild sweetness, but you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed. Just note that the flavor profile may change slightly.

Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are vegan-friendly, making it a great option for plant-based diets.

Conclusion

The gyu kaku addicting cucumber recipe is a quick and refreshing side dish with a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for adding variety to your meals. With proper storage, you can keep the cucumbers crisp and flavorful for a couple of days. Whether served at a BBQ or as a light snack, this recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients, making it a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.

gyu kaku cucumber recipe

Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe

Gyu Kaku's Spicy Addicting Cucumber is a popular appetizer featured at their restaurants. It's typically made with sliced cucumbers, seasoned with a spicy and tangy sauce that includes ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili flakes. The dish is crunchy, refreshing, and has a nice kick to it, making it a favorite for many.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 57 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon for mixing
  • Serving dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Garlic Clove minced
  • 4 Cucumbers sliced
  • ½ Tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • ½ Tablespoon Scallions chopped
  • 2 Tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
  • ½ Tablespoon Sesame Seeds
  • ½ Teaspoon Gochujang Paste
  • ½ Teaspoon Granulated Sugar
  • ¾ Teaspoon Chili oil
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt

Instructions
 

  • Cut the cucumbers into thin slices.
  • In a bowl, mix minced garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, gochujang paste, sugar, chili oil, and kosher salt.
  • Add the cucumber slices to the sauce and toss everything together so the cucumbers are well coated.
  • Mix in the chopped scallions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  • Let the cucumbers sit in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Keyword Gyu Kaku Spicy Addicting Cucumber Recipe