This Cucumber Sunomono is a vibrant, refreshing salad that combines the natural crispness of cucumbers with a tangy, lightly sweet vinegar dressing. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and light side dish.
Perfect for hot summer days, this salad offers a burst of coolness with every bite, making it a delicious complement to any meal. Whether served with sushi, grilled meats, or just as a solo snack, this simple recipe highlights the fresh flavors of cucumber and sesame while keeping things light and low-calorie.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 medium cucumbers
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1/4 cup rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 green onion, sliced (optional)
Directions:
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Slice cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
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In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, salt, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves.
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Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and pour the vinegar dressing over the cucumbers. Toss to combine.
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Let the cucumbers marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 25 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cucumber Sunomono: A Refreshing Japanese Delicacy
Cucumber Sunomono, a traditional Japanese side dish, is a vibrant, healthy, and refreshing salad that can be found in almost any Japanese home or restaurant. Known for its crisp texture, tangy sweetness, and subtle flavors, this salad offers the perfect balance of freshness and umami, making it a popular addition to many Japanese meals. Whether you’re enjoying a sushi feast, a bento box, or simply looking for a light and healthy side dish, Cucumber Sunomono never disappoints.
Origins of Cucumber Sunomono
Sunomono, meaning “vinegar-mixed” in Japanese, is a broad term used for dishes that are lightly dressed with vinegar. These dishes typically feature vegetables or seafood that have been marinated in a sweet-sour dressing. Cucumber Sunomono, specifically, is one of the most well-loved varieties of this dish, typically prepared with thinly sliced cucumbers. It reflects the Japanese art of balancing tastes, where sour, sweet, salty, and sometimes spicy flavors come together in harmony.
This dish has its roots in Japanese cuisine, where the use of vinegar is prevalent in many recipes, from sushi rice to pickled vegetables. The use of rice vinegar in Sunomono helps to balance out the naturally earthy flavors of vegetables while also providing a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. Cucumber Sunomono, with its cooling cucumber base, becomes especially popular during the summer months as a refreshing side dish to complement hot meals.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Sunomono
Not only is Cucumber Sunomono light and easy to prepare, but it is also incredibly nutritious. Cucumbers are low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. Rich in water content, cucumbers help keep you hydrated, especially during the warmer months when staying hydrated is essential. They also contain antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.
The rice vinegar used in the dressing offers its own set of health benefits. Vinegar is known to help regulate blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and promote a healthy gut. Additionally, the inclusion of sesame oil in the recipe adds healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health. The sesame seeds sprinkled on top, while optional, are another healthy addition. They provide an extra crunch along with a dose of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Moreover, Cucumber Sunomono is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an ideal dish for those following plant-based or gluten-free diets. The simplicity of this dish means it can be enjoyed by people with different dietary preferences, and its refreshing nature makes it an excellent appetizer or light side dish for various occasions.
How to Enjoy Cucumber Sunomono
Cucumber Sunomono can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it a versatile dish. Traditionally, it is served as an accompaniment to sushi or sashimi, where the refreshing crunch of the cucumbers helps to cleanse the palate between bites of savory sushi. It can also be served alongside other Japanese staples such as grilled fish, teriyaki chicken, or tempura. The light and tangy profile of Sunomono contrasts wonderfully with rich and hearty Japanese entrees.
For a more casual meal, you can enjoy it with a bowl of miso soup and rice, or even pair it with grilled vegetables for a healthy vegetarian feast. Its versatility extends to fusion dishes as well, where it can be incorporated into a modern salad, served as a topping for rice bowls, or added to sandwiches and wraps for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Cucumber Sunomono is often enjoyed as part of a multi-course Japanese meal known as “kaiseki,” which highlights seasonal ingredients and presents food in an artful, balanced manner. The tangy vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the other dishes, adding complexity to the meal without overwhelming the palate.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Sunomono
While Cucumber Sunomono is incredibly easy to prepare, a few tips can elevate the dish to new heights and ensure the flavors are just right.
1. Choose the Right Cucumbers
The key to a great Cucumber Sunomono is using fresh, crunchy cucumbers. Japanese cucumbers, known for their thin skin and sweet, crisp flavor, are ideal for this dish. However, if you can’t find Japanese cucumbers, English cucumbers are a good substitute. When slicing the cucumbers, aim for thin, even slices, which helps the marinade penetrate the cucumbers more effectively and ensures the dish has an even texture.
2. Marinate the Cucumbers
Cucumber Sunomono benefits from a short marinating time, allowing the cucumbers to soak in the vinegar dressing and absorb the flavors. However, avoid marinating for too long as cucumbers can become overly soft and lose their satisfying crunch. Marinating for 15 to 20 minutes is typically enough for the flavors to meld together without compromising the texture.
3. Experiment with Add-Ins
While the basic version of Cucumber Sunomono is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize this dish. Consider adding a small amount of sliced red onion for an extra layer of sharpness or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
4. Garnish Creatively
A final touch of garnishing can take your Cucumber Sunomono to the next level. Toasted sesame seeds are a common addition, providing a nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch. You could also sprinkle some finely sliced green onions or even a few shiso leaves for a pop of color and additional herbal notes.
Cucumber Sunomono in Modern Cuisine
In addition to its traditional roots, Cucumber Sunomono has found a place in modern fusion cooking. Chefs are creatively incorporating Sunomono into contemporary salads, serving it as a topping for poke bowls, or even using it as a garnish for cocktails like a refreshing cucumber gin and tonic. Its light, tangy nature makes it a popular choice for upscale restaurants looking to offer guests a taste of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist.
As the world becomes more health-conscious and the interest in Japanese cuisine continues to grow, Cucumber Sunomono has gained recognition beyond Japanese dining. It has become a beloved dish in international kitchens, particularly as people search for lighter, healthier alternatives to heavier, more calorie-dense salads.
Conclusion:
Cucumber Sunomono is a simple yet flavorful dish that encapsulates the essence of Japanese cuisine fresh ingredients, balance of flavors, and a focus on healthy eating. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Japanese food or just beginning to explore the world of Asian cuisine, this refreshing cucumber salad is a perfect starting point. With its crisp texture, tangy vinegar dressing, and versatility, Cucumber Sunomono is a timeless dish that can complement a variety of meals, from sushi to grilled meats to vegetarian feasts. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire for a light, satisfying, and healthy side dish.