5 Minute Gochugaru Cucumber Salad is a healthy side dish made from Korean chili powder. Refreshing, crunchy and a bit spicy, this vibrant salad pairs well with many meals!
Keeping up with some healthy recipe ideas that are egg free and nut free, this 5 minute Gochugaru cucumber salad will not disappoint. This recipe is also dairy free, gluten free (check your soy sauce to make sure it’s gluten free) and vegan (if you are a honey-eating vegan.)
A Healthy Side Dish
The best part of this recipe is that is is super healthy. Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants from the Gochugaru alone, this ingredient is also known to improve digestion, boost immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Of course cucumbers boast their own amazing health benefits such as vitamins and minerals, as well as being full of water.
Quick and Easy
5 minutes is all you need, *unless you are a certain Jenner celebrity on a reality show* where the world watched her cutting-cucumber-plight. Sometimes you just gotta call the private chef! Anyway, it is perfect for busy individuals who want a flavorful side dish or snack in a hurry.
Versatile Pairing
This salad complements a variety of dishes, from Korean BBQ to simple grilled meats or rice bowls. My husband and I will just eat it straight out of the container when we need a quick bite.
Substitutions for Gochugaru
Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) may be replaced with red pepper flakes, smoked paprika (for less heat), or cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level). Honestly, I don’t recommend using anything other than Gochugaru— just know that it will alter the flavor and overall health benefits.
A note about Soy Sauce
Many brands of soy sauce contain gluten or wheat, so please be careful if you are gluten free or wheat allergic. If using tamari double check it is also gluten free; generally speaking coconut aminos is the best bet for a gluten-free option. Check all labels before purchasing!
If you need help finding any ingredients, please check out the links for specific ingredients in the “Things that helped in the kitchen…” below. There are different brands and variations so if you are unfamiliar with the ingredients these will be a good place to start.
How to make the best 5 Minute Gochugaru Cucumber Salad
In a medium glass container with a lid or a bowl that can be covered, add all ingredients for the sauce and mix well.
Add diced cucumbers to the sauce mixture. Stir until well combined or snap the lid on the container and shake well!
Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Things that helped in the kitchen for this recipe:
Pyrex food storage set– multifunctional glassware with a variety of sizes (Amazon or Costco)
Knife set or large knife– we have been using the Sabatier brand for years; they’re priced fairly and hold up well. (Amazon or Costco)
Sesame oil– I used a different brand in this recipe, but this specific one I have used for years and it is easy to find at grocery stores.
Gochugaru – Find it at Whole Foods, or online.
Rice Vinegar can be found just about anywhere, there are different brands like kikkoman and Marukan that are standard in flavor.
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5 Minute Gochugaru Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 5 mini cucumber washed and diced with skin on
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic or as much as you prefer
- 1 teaspoon Gochugaru
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds optional, but encouraged
Instructions
- In a medium glass container with a lid or a bowl that can be covered, add all ingredients for the sauce and mix well.
- Add diced cucumbers to the sauce mixture. Stir until well combined or snap the lid on the container and shake well!
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
