Japanese Cucumber Salad {Sunomono}

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is loved for its simple yet vibrant flavors. The combination of thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a hint of sesame oil creates a tangy, refreshing experience. It’s an ideal side dish for those looking to add a healthy, crunchy element to their meals. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients, and can be made ahead of time for added convenience.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 Japanese or English cucumbers

• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

• Thinly sliced seaweed (wakame or nori) for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra color and texture.

2. Slice the cucumbers thinly using a mandoline slicer or knife. For a more interesting look, you can also julienne the cucumbers or use a spiralizer.

3. Place the cucumber slices in a medium bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss well to coat, and let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out moisture.

4. After the cucumbers have rested, drain excess water by gently squeezing them or blotting with a paper towel.

5. Add rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves. If using, add sesame oil and toss everything together.

6. Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added flavor.

7. For a traditional touch, garnish with thinly sliced seaweed like wakame or nori.

8. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 as a side dish and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, including the marinating time.

Variations

• Add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

• For a sweeter flavor, increase the sugar or drizzle with a little honey.

• Use different types of seaweed like kombu for varied texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Since it’s a cold dish, there’s no need to reheat it—just enjoy it chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cucumbers for Sunomono?

Yes, you can substitute regular cucumbers, though Japanese cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture and smaller seeds.

2. Can I prepare Sunomono ahead of time?

Yes, Sunomono can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. It allows the flavors to meld together even more.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this salad can be made gluten-free.

4. What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sushi, or other Japanese dishes like ramen or tempura.

5. Can I make this without sesame oil?

Yes, sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor, but you can skip it or substitute it with olive oil for a milder taste.

6. How thin should I slice the cucumbers?

For the best texture, slice the cucumbers very thin, about 1-2mm thick, so they can absorb the dressing effectively.

7. Can I use other vinegars instead of rice vinegar?

Rice vinegar is recommended for its mild flavor, but you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

8. What type of seaweed should I use for garnish?

Wakame or nori is commonly used in Sunomono, but feel free to experiment with other edible seaweeds based on availability.

9. How long does this salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best consumed within 2-3 days of making it.

10. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Yes, you can add thinly sliced radishes or carrots for additional color and crunch.

Conclusion

Japanese Cucumber Salad, or Sunomono, is a perfect dish to add to your meal rotation. It’s simple, refreshing, and customizable to suit different tastes. With its vibrant flavors and light, healthy ingredients, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Try it at your next meal for a delightful and easy-to-make side dish.