Ever find yourself craving something light, crunchy, and bursting with flavor? Something that feels like a cool breeze on a hot summer day? Look no further than this Japanese Cucumber Salad recipe. It’s the perfect side dish, snack, or even meal-prep staple that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or just looking for a fresh way to enjoy cucumbers, this recipe is a game-changer. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish is a must-try!
What Makes Japanese Cucumber Salad So Special?
Japanese Cucumber Salad, also known as Sunomono, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. It’s all about the balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, paired with the satisfying crunch of fresh cucumbers.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can whip it up in under 10 minutes, customize it to your taste, and pair it with almost anything. Plus, it’s healthy, low-calorie, and packed with refreshing flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes!
- Healthy and Light: Perfect for anyone watching their calories or looking for a refreshing side dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, spices, or even protein to make it your own.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Japanese Cucumber Salad recipe:
- 3 mini Persian cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (toasted for extra flavor!)
- 1 tsp light brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Japanese Cucumber Salad
- Slice the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately, or let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Japanese Cucumber Salad
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: Persian or English cucumbers work best because they’re crisp and have fewer seeds.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
- Add Some Crunch: Toss in shredded carrots, sliced onions, or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
What to Serve with Japanese Cucumber Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Proteins: Try it with teriyaki chicken, honey garlic salmon, or sesame beef.
- Rice Dishes: Serve alongside fried rice or vegetable sushi rolls.
- Noodle Bowls: Perfect with ramen or soba noodles.
- BBQ Spreads: Add it to your next barbecue for a refreshing contrast to grilled meats.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun twists on the classic Japanese Cucumber Salad recipe:
- Add Umami: Stir in a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of bonito flakes.
- Go Green: Toss in some chopped Thai basil or cilantro for a fresh herb flavor.
- Make It Heartier: Add roasted peanuts, sliced almonds, or even avocado.
- Turn It into a Main Dish: Serve it over a bed of greens with grilled chicken or tofu.
Why This Recipe Works for Meal Prep
If you’re a meal-prep enthusiast, you’ll love how well this salad holds up in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it marinates, making it even more delicious the next day.
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) – Quick, Healthy, and Refreshing Side Dish
Ingredients
- 3 mini Persian cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil toasted for extra flavor!
- 1 tsp light brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately, or let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Notes
- For best results, let the salad marinate for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Use Persian cucumbers for the best texture, but English cucumbers can also work.
- Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more sugar or red pepper flakes to taste.
Image Credit: chefsavvy
This Japanese Cucumber Salad recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, pairing it with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, or enjoying it as a quick snack, this salad is sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those cucumbers and whip up a batch today. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Looking for More Japanese Recipes?
Love Japanese food? Here are some easy and tasty recipes you’ve got to try:
- Japanese Curry Roux Recipe
- Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage Chicken)
- Japanese Chiffon Cake Recipe
- Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)
- Japanese Strawberry Shortcake
Try these recipes and bring the delicious taste of Japan to your home!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
