Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe
This simple Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe combines thin cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for a crisp and refreshing salad.
Equipment
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
- Mandoline slicer (optional but helpful)
- Fine strainer or colander
- Small serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 large Japanese cucumbers or 3 Persian cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger optional
Optional add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon dried wakame seaweed soaked
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Crab sticks or cooked shrimp
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers
- Wash the cucumbers well. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them into very thin rounds. Thin slices allow the dressing to coat each piece evenly and create the classic delicate texture.
Step 2: Salt the cucumbers
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Gently toss and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- This step is important because the salt draws out excess water from the cucumbers. It keeps the salad crisp instead of watery.
Step 3: Rinse and drain
- After 10 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove excess liquid. Rinse lightly under cold water to remove excess salt and drain well.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel if needed.
Step 4: Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Taste the dressing. It should be lightly sweet, pleasantly tangy, and balanced.
Step 5: Combine everything
- Add the cucumbers to a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over them and toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 6: Add finishing touches
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and grated ginger over the salad. Toss once more.
Step 7: Chill before serving
- For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing crunch.