How to Make the Perfect Japanese Cucumber Sunomono Salad
Japanese · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
Sunomono is a delicate and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad dressed in a light sweetened rice vinegar marinade. It is commonly served as a palate-cleansing side dish in Japanese cuisine and takes only minutes to prepare.
Why this recipe works
This Japanese Cucumber Sunomono Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 65 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole Japanese or English cucumbers
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
Slice the cucumbers into paper-thin rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Place them in a bowl and toss with salt, then let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture
Squeeze the cucumbers gently with your hands or press with a clean kitchen towel to remove as much water as possible then transfer to a clean bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
Whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl until the sugar completely dissolves.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, toss to coat, and let marinate for 5 minutes. Serve in small bowls topped with toasted sesame seeds.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar with a pinch of extra sugar
- sugar → honey or agave syrup
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the salting step which leaves excess water that dilutes the dressing completely
- Slicing the cucumbers too thick which prevents the vinegar from properly penetrating and marinating them
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 65 calories, 2g protein, 12g carbs, 1g fat, 1g fiber.
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