Japanese food is well known for its delicate combination of flavors, freshness of vegetables, and healthy foods. Japanese cucumber salad, also known as Sunomono, is one such salad that would ideally have all these features. It is a refreshing and chilled salad that is enjoyed by Japanese families and is served as a side dish with main courses such as sushi, fish grilled, or rice courses.
What is Japanese Cucumber Salad?
Japanese Cucumber Salad, or Sunomono (酢の物), is a light, crunchy, and slightly acidic salad made of thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a vinegar dressing. It is a popular side dish in Japanese cuisine and is often served as an appetizer or accompanying sushi, grilled fish, or rice dishes. The crunchy cucumber and savory dressing make it an excellent palate cleanser.
Is Japanese Cucumber Salad Made with Sesame Oil?
Yes, sesame oil may be used in Japanese cucumber salad, but not always. There are recipes that add the sesame oil for extra flavor with a nutty aroma, yet other recipes use only a simple vinegar dressing. To have a richer taste, adding the hint of toasted sesame oil will create more depth to the salad.
Ingredients for Japanese Cucumber Salad
To make an authentic Japanese cucumber salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Japanese cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
- Rice vinegar (for the tangy taste)
- Soy sauce (for umami flavor)
- Sugar (to balance acidity)
- Sesame seeds (for added texture and taste)
- Salt (to draw out moisture from cucumbers)
- Toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Mirin (for sweetness, optional)
- Ginger or garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
Dressing for Japanese Cucumber Salad
The dressing is the key component of Japanese cucumber salad. Sunomono dressing traditionally consists of:
- Rice vinegar – Adds a delicate acidity.
- Soy sauce – Adds depth and umami.
- Sugar – Balances the tartness of the vinegar.
- Sesame seeds – Adds a nutty crunch.
- Mirin (optional) – A sweet rice wine that provides depth of flavor.
- Sesame oil (optional) – Adds a subtle richness and aroma.
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves and pour over sliced cucumbers.
Which Cucumber Type is Ideal for Salad?
For the best texture and flavor, use Japanese cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. These cucumbers are:
Thin-skinned – Do not require peeling.
Seedless or very small seeds – Less watery and still crunchy.
Crisp and slightly sweet – Ideal for salads.
If you cannot find Japanese cucumbers, substitute with English cucumbers.
Tips for Making the Best Japanese Cucumber Salad
To make the perfect Japanese cucumber salad, follow these tips:
- Salt the cucumbers first – This is to remove excess water and keep them crunchy.
- Cut them very thinly – Make use of a mandoline slicer.
- Let them marinate – Allow at least 10–15 minutes for the flavors to develop.
- Taste and balance sweetness and acidity – Taste the dressing and balance as needed.
- Add toppings – Seaweed, shredded carrots, or crab meat can season the dish.
How to Slice Cucumbers Rapidly
Cutting with a mandoline slicer yields the fastest and simplest thin, uniform slices. Steady hands and a sharp knife are substitutes in case you have no mandoline slicer. Always cut with a very narrow diagonal to provide maximum surface and dressing absorption.
Japanese Cucumber Salad with Mirin
Mirin is a sweet white wine with a light sweetness and richness that gives the dressing a soft sweetness. If you would like a more well-balanced flavor and less sour, using mirin in your Japanese cucumber salad is a good choice. Or, you can substitute mirin with honey or a smaller quantity of sugar.
Japanese Cucumber Salad – Inspired by Just One Cookbook
Just One Cookbook, a Japanese cooking blog with a huge following, has a Japanese cucumber salad that incorporates rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. It’s the original sunomono recipe, but it also offers the option of adding wakame seaweed for a bit more flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Light and Refreshing: The subtle sweetness and crisp refreshment of Japanese cucumbers are ideal for hot summer days or as a palate refresher.
- Low-Calorie and Healthy: Being water-rich, vitamin-packed, and low in calories, cucumbers render this salad guilt-free.
- Easy and Quick: With less than 10 minutes of prep time and few ingredients, this salad is ready quickly.
- Suits Many Dishes: If sushi, grilled meats, or rice bowls are your delight, this salad provides a pleasant and sour contrast to your dish.
Attempt Pickle Recipes
If you like Japanese cucumber salad, you might also enjoy Japanese pickled cucumbers, or Kyuri Tsukemono. These are salt, vinegar, and sometimes kombu (seaweed) fermented, creating a crunchy, flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Facts of Japanese Cucumber Salad
Japanese cucumber salad is low in calories but high in nutrients. A typical serving contains:
- Calories: 30–50 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5–8g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Protein: 1–2g
- Healthy fats: From sesame oil and seeds
- Vitamins & minerals: Full of vitamin K, C, and antioxidants
Since this salad is light and watery, it’s a great complement to weight-loss diets and meal programs.
Conclusion
Japanese cucumber salad is one of those foods that can complement any Japanese dish. It’s a crunchy food with a slightly sweet-savory dressing that can be suited to any number of different ingredient variations. For sesame oil fans, for those who love the taste of mirin, and even for this Just One Cookbook variation, cucumber salad is destined to become one of your most loved side dishes!
Also read about: Makhana Recipe: Healthy & Delicious Methods