Fresh Japanese Sunomono Cucumber Salad
A light, crisp, and tangy Japanese cucumber salad perfect for sushi lovers, featuring thinly sliced cucumbers in a sweet and savory rice vinegar dressing with toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium Japanese cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: 2 tablespoons rehydrated wakame seaweed
- Optional: 1 teaspoon toasted white sesame oil
Instructions
- Rinse and thinly slice the cucumbers about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
- After 10 minutes, drain the liquid and gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove as much moisture as possible.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon light soy sauce, and if using, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil until sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the salad. If using wakame, rinse and soak 2 tablespoons dried wakame in water for 5 minutes, drain well, and add to the salad. Toss gently.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, toss gently again and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or splash of vinegar if needed.
Notes
Salting cucumbers to draw out excess water is crucial to keep the salad crisp. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best flavor. Chill the salad before serving to mellow the vinegar sharpness. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste. Can substitute tamari for soy sauce for gluten-free option. Optional wakame adds authentic texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup per se
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 1.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Japanese cucumber salad, sunomono, cucumber salad, sushi side dish, easy cucumber salad, Japanese side dish, healthy salad