Looking for a refreshing dish to complement your meal? Try this delicious Japanese Cucumber Salad, also known as Sunomono. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds. The lightness of the cucumbers paired with the vibrant dressing makes it an ideal side dish for any occasion. Let’s get started with this simple yet exquisite recipe!
Japanese Cucumber Salad
This Sunomono salad not only looks beautiful on the plate but is incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of ingredients is simple, yet the result is a dish that is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Once cleaned, slice them thinly using a knife or a mandoline slicer to get even, paper-thin pieces. This will help the cucumbers absorb the dressing better.
- In a mixing bowl, sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices. Toss them gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes. The salt will draw out excess water from the cucumbers, making them crispier.
- While the cucumbers are resting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk it together until the sugar is dissolved, creating a balanced sweet and tangy mixture.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain them well to prevent excess liquid from diluting the dressing.
- Place the drained cucumbers in a clean mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to combine, making sure all the slices are evenly coated.
- Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavors and allow the cucumbers to absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, give it a final toss. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an added crunch and flavor.
This Japanese Cucumber Salad is an incredible side dish that can elevate any meal. Enjoy it with grilled meats, sushi, or simply on its own. Bon appétit!