Experience a refreshing and light Japanese side dish with this cucumber sunomono recipe. Perfect for a hot day or as a palate cleanser, this dish combines the crispness of cucumbers with a tangy rice vinegar dressing, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common, you might need to pay special attention to rice vinegar. This ingredient is essential for achieving the authentic taste of sunomono. You can find it in the Asian section of most supermarkets or at specialty Asian grocery stores.
Ingredients for Cucumber Sunomono Recipe
Cucumbers: Thinly sliced to provide a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor essential for the dressing.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps to draw out moisture from the cucumbers.
Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve the perfect texture for your cucumbers, consider salting them lightly and letting them sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing and proceeding with the recipe. This process helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and refreshing bite in your Cucumber Sunomono.
Suggested Side Dishes
Miso Soup: Dive into the umami depths of miso soup, where the savory broth dances with tofu and seaweed. A warm embrace that complements the crisp, refreshing notes of cucumber sunomono.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Imagine tender chicken marinated in a luscious teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection. These skewers bring a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy crunch of cucumber sunomono.
Edamame: Pop open the vibrant green pods of edamame, lightly salted and steamed to perfection. These little gems offer a delightful contrast to the vinegary bite of cucumber sunomono.
Tempura Vegetables: Crispy, golden tempura vegetables provide a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness. The light batter and fresh veggies create a harmonious balance with the refreshing cucumber sunomono.
Mango Sticky Rice: End your meal on a sweet note with mango sticky rice. The creamy, coconut-infused sticky rice paired with juicy slices of mango offers a tropical finish that complements the light and tangy cucumber sunomono.
Alternative Ingredients
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cucumbers – Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for cucumbers in this dish.
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rice vinegar – Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and sweetness, which can mimic the flavor profile of rice vinegar.
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sugar – Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can dissolve well in the vinegar mixture, similar to sugar.
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salt – Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.
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toasted sesame seeds – Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good replacement for toasted sesame seeds.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
Japanese Pickled Daikon: Dive into the tangy world of Japanese Pickled Daikon. This vegetable delight is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it an ideal side dish for any Japanese meal.
Seaweed Salad: Experience the ocean’s bounty with Seaweed Salad. This refreshing salad combines the unique textures of seaweed with a zesty dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Japanese Potato Salad: Reimagine the classic potato salad with a Japanese twist. Japanese Potato Salad features creamy potatoes mixed with crunchy vegetables and a hint of rice vinegar for a delightful side dish.
Miso Soup: Warm your soul with a bowl of Miso Soup. This traditional Japanese soup is made with savory miso paste, tofu, and seaweed, offering a comforting and nutritious start to any meal.
Edamame with Sea Salt: Enjoy a simple yet satisfying snack with Edamame with Sea Salt. These steamed soybeans are lightly sprinkled with sea salt, making them a perfect appetizer or healthy snack.
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
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To store your cucumber sunomono, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its crispness and flavor.
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Place the container in the refrigerator. The cucumber sunomono can be kept fresh for up to 3 days when properly refrigerated.
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If you notice any excess liquid accumulating at the bottom of the container, simply drain it off to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.
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For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a few slices of fresh ginger or a sprinkle of chili flakes before storing.
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Freezing cucumber sunomono is not recommended, as the texture of the cucumbers will become mushy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, place the cucumber slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Note that the texture will change, and it’s best used in cooked dishes rather than as a fresh salad.
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When ready to serve after refrigeration, give the cucumber sunomono a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure even flavor.
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If you find the cucumbers have lost some of their crunch, you can refresh them by soaking in ice water for a few minutes before serving.
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Always taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of salt can revive the flavors if they have mellowed out.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Place the cucumber sunomono in a bowl and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to lose its chill without compromising the crispness of the cucumbers.
- If you prefer a slightly warmer dish, you can use a microwave. Transfer the cucumber sunomono to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the cucumbers soggy.
- Another gentle method is to place the cucumber sunomono in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of warm water for a few minutes. This indirect heat will gently warm the dish without compromising its texture.
- For a quick refresh, you can also toss the cucumber sunomono with a splash of fresh rice vinegar and a pinch of salt before serving. This will revive the flavors and give it a slight zing.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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Mixing bowl: Use this to place the thinly sliced cucumbers and to mix them with the vinegar mixture.
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Knife: Essential for thinly slicing the cucumbers evenly.
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Cutting board: Provides a stable surface to safely slice the cucumbers.
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Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the rice vinegar and sugar.
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Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and sesame seeds precisely.
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Whisk: Helps to mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
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Serving bowl: Ideal for presenting the finished cucumber sunomono.
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Toaster or skillet: Used to toast the sesame seeds if they are not pre-toasted.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice cucumbers: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the cucumbers.
Dissolve sugar faster: Warm the rice vinegar slightly before mixing in the sugar and salt to help them dissolve more quickly.
Make ahead: Prepare the vinegar mixture in advance and store it in the fridge, so it’s ready to pour over the cucumbers when needed.
Batch toast sesame seeds: Toast a larger batch of sesame seeds and store them in an airtight container for future use.
Cucumber Sunomono Recipe
A light and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers thinly sliced
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
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1. Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a mixing bowl.
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2. In a separate bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
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3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
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4. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Recipe
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Grill the chicken until it’s perfectly charred and juicy. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and a drizzle of lemon herb sauce for a refreshing and flavorful main course.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out colorful bell peppers and fill them with a savory mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, black beans, and corn. Season with cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. Top with melted cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Mango Sticky Rice: Indulge in the tropical flavors of mango sticky rice. This delightful treat combines the creamy texture of coconut-infused sticky rice with the sweetness of ripe mango slices. The dish is elevated with a drizzle of coconut sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for a summer evening, this dessert is both refreshing and satisfying.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Experience the rich and velvety chocolate avocado mousse. This innovative dessert uses ripe avocados to create a creamy base, blended with high-quality cocoa powder and a touch of sweetener. The result is a decadent, guilt-free treat that is both nutritious and indulgent. Garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
FAQ:
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
I recommend slicing the cucumbers as thin as possible, around ⅛ inch thick. This helps them absorb the flavors better and gives a nice, delicate texture.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Sure, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.
How long can I store cucumber sunomono in the fridge?
You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The cucumbers might lose some of their crunch over time, but it will still taste good.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or even seaweed can be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Is it okay to use regular sesame seeds instead of toasted ones?
Yes, you can use regular sesame seeds, but toasting them adds a nice nutty flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, I recommend toasting them in a dry skillet until they’re golden brown.
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