Japanese Cucumber Salad

5 from 1 vote

The Japanese cucumber salad, known as "Sunomono," is a light and refreshing side dish commonly served in Japanese cuisine. It's refreshing and crunchy that makes a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time0

Total Time10

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegetarian

Keyword: Japanese cucumber salad

Servings:

Calories: 71kcal

Author: Lizzy Cascalheira

Ingredients

2 medium-sized Japanese or English cucumbers
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sesame seeds toasted (optional)
¼ teaspoon sesame oil optional
Thinly sliced seaweed such as wakame or nori for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if desired, but leaving the skin on adds texture and color.
Slice cucumbers thinly. You can use a knife, mandoline slicer, or a vegetable peeler for even slices. If you prefer, you can also cut them into julienne strips or use a spiralizer for a different presentation.
Place the cucumber slices in a medium bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Toss well to coat the cucumbers evenly. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture.
After the resting period, drain any excess water from the cucumbers by gently squeezing them or patting them dry with paper towels.
Add rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar has dissolved. If using, add the sesame oil for extra flavor or the olive oil you have at home to the cucumber slices and toss until well combined. Make sure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the cucumber salad for added flavor and garnish.
For an extra touch, you can garnish the salad with thinly sliced seaweed, such as wakame or nori, for a traditional Japanese flair.
Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Any cucumber works but I usually take out the seeds. It is hard on my digestion so I prefer English cucumbers because I can do the seeds on these.
This salad is best on the same day.

Nutrition