Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad Easy Recipe

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Sunomono Japanese cucumber salad is fresh, crisp, and light. It is a delicious and easy side dish or an appetizer.

You might also enjoy this classic cucumber and onion salad if you enjoy cucumber salads.

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How to Make Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers: This recipe is best made with Japanese cucumbers; however, you can use Persian or English cucumbers. They have thin skins and tiny seeds.

Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is less acidic and milder than white distilled vinegar, allowing the other flavors to shine.

Sugar: Sugar (white granulated) adds a sweetness that works perfectly with the sour and salt in the dressing.

Salt: Adding salt to the salad dressing helps to balance all the flavors.

Fresh ginger: Ginger adds a peppery, spicy flavor to this recipe.

Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds add a sweet and nutty taste with a satisfying crunch.

Soy sauce: Soy sauce provides salt, sweet, and savory flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

Two Japanese Cucumbers or Persian cucumbers thinly sliced

1/3 cup rice vinegar

Four teaspoons sugar

One teaspoon salt

Two slices of fresh ginger

Two teaspoons sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon soy sauce or light soy sauce (Optional)

Recipe Supplies

Mandoline

Cutting board

Knife

Mixing bowls

Whisk

Measuring cups and spoons

Sunomono Cucumber Salad Cooking Steps

Step 1. Slice Cucumbers

If you use Japanese, Persian, or English cucumbers, you will not need to peel your cucumbers.

However, if you use garden cucumbers, peel them and remove the seeds.

The best way to thinly slice your cucumbers is with a mandoline. However, you can use a knife and cutting board if you do not have a mandoline.

Place sliced cucumbers in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 2. Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad Dressing

Add the dressing ingredients (rice vinegar, sugar, and salt) to a small mixing bowl and whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve.

Note: If you use soy sauce, then omit the salt. Also, note that the salad will look darker.

When I serve Sunomono cucumber salad, I serve soy sauce on the side.

Step 3. Mix Salad and Dressing

When the dressing is ready, pour it over the sliced cucumbers and toss.

Step 4. Ginger Slices

Next, peel and slice fresh ginger for some extra flavor. Place the slices in the cucumber mixture and toss. Allow to marinate for at least one hour in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Step 5. Garnish Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad With Sesame Seeds

To serve, remove the ginger slices and top with sesame seeds.

This simple salad looks amazing, served in dark or wooden bowls with chopsticks.

See you soon,

Kippi

Ps. This post was shared on Between Naps on The Porch.