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simple japanese cucumber salad (sunomono)

Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

Japanese Cucumber Salad aka Sunomono is a super simple and highly refreshing side dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a simple yet complex vinegar sauce.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 33kcal
Author: Marwin Brown

Ingredients

  • 1 Japanese cucumber
  • 2 teaspoon salt

Vinegar Sauce

  • 2 tsp  rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon mirin
  • 2  teaspoon soy sauce
  • sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Wash and slice the cucumbers as thin as possible.
  • Place the sliced cucumbers into a small bowl and sprinkle the salt. Toss the cucumbers and salt in order to coat the cucumbers evenly with salt.
  • Leave the cucumber with salt for 10 minutes to draw the moisture out
  • Using your hands, squeeze the water out of the cucumbers.
  • Combine mirin, vinegar, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl to make the sauce
  • Place the cucumber in a mixing bowl and pour the vinegar sauce over the cucumber.
  • Serve it in a small bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Use unseasoned rice vinegar
  • Dress simply. Seaweed is a good partner, but not necessary
  • Seafood like crab, lobster, octopus, etc. can elevate this from a simple side to something more substantial
  • Squeeze as much moisture from the cucumbers as possible. This is the key to that nice, crisp texture.
  • If using American style cucumbers, be sure to remove the seeds given there are so many present unlike Japanese ones.
  • Other vinegars can be used for different flavor/color profile - white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar.
  • Japanese cucumbers are recommended to use for this dish. If using alternatives, target thinner varieties. For wider/thicker types remove seeds and soft flesh before slicing.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds. I used black for presentation but feel free to use traditional off white colored ones.
  • Fresh ginger make for a great finishing touch as well

Nutrition

Calories: 33kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2226mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 4.2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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