Salads > International Salads > Asian Salads > Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) Recipe

Sunomono: Refreshing Japanese Cucumber Salad

Discover the simple elegance of Sunomono, a traditional Japanese cucumber salad. This light and refreshing dish is perfect as an appetizer or a palate cleanser, offering a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes (for marinating)
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 2 Cucumbers (Japanese or English)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Mirin (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds

Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers. You can use a mandoline for uniform slices or simply use a knife. If using English cucumbers, you don't need to peel them. Japanese cucumbers might benefit from a partial peel, leaving some skin for texture.

Salt the Cucumbers

Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently massage the salt into the cucumbers. This process helps to draw out excess moisture, resulting in a crispier salad. Let the cucumbers sit for about 10 minutes.

Rinse and Drain

After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Squeeze out any excess water from the cucumbers. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture.

Make the Sunomono Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and mirin (if using) until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the sweetness or sourness to your liking.

Combine and Marinate

Place the drained cucumbers in the dressing and gently toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.

Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds. Serve chilled as an appetizer, side dish, or palate cleanser.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Calories: Approximately 50 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Sunomono is a naturally low-calorie and low-fat dish. It is also relatively low in sodium, depending on the amount of soy sauce used. You can further reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce. The sugar content can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Using unseasoned rice vinegar will further reduce sugar.

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FAQ

  • Can I use regular cucumbers?

    While Japanese or English cucumbers are preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds, you can use regular cucumbers. Just peel them and remove the seeds before slicing.
  • How long can I store Sunomono?

    Sunomono is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may become softer over time.
  • Can I add other ingredients?

    Yes! Some variations include adding wakame seaweed, thinly sliced carrots, or even small pieces of cooked shrimp or crab.