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5 Minutes Japanese Cucumber Side Dish Recipe [3 ways]

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CHEF'S LABO 自宅で出来るプロの味
CHEF'S LABO 自宅で出来るプロの味
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Recipes in this Video

4 recipes
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Originating from Japan, Sunomono is a refreshing side dish often served at meals and celebrations, showcasing the balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Traditionally made with seasonal vegetables, it highlights the Japanese appreciation for fresh ingredients and presentation. Today, variations can be found globally, with many incorporating different vegetables or proteins, adapting to local tastes.

Ingredients

  • cucumbers
  • rice vinegar
  • sugar
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • salt
  • toasted sesame seeds
  • scallions

Instructions

  1. 1Slice cucumbers thinly and place in a bowl.
  2. 2Sprinkle salt over cucumbers and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves.
  4. 4Rinse cucumbers under cold water and drain well.
  5. 5Add cucumbers to the vinegar mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  6. 6Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a milder flavor while being healthier.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness with fewer calories.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: coconut aminos

Tamari is gluten-free while maintaining a similar taste.

toasted sesame seeds

Healthier: pumpkin seeds

Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds provide a nutty flavor with lower costs.

Techniques

slicingmixingmarinating

Equipment

bowlwhiskknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoysesame

Also Known As

SunomonoCucumber Sunomono
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Originating from China, Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish often served as a side during summer months. It embodies the balance of flavors—salty, tangy, and slightly spicy—typical of Chinese cuisine. This salad is not only popular in Chinese households but has also gained international appeal for its simplicity and vibrant taste, making it a favorite at gatherings and barbecues.

Ingredients

  • cucumbers
  • garlic
  • soy sauce
  • rice vinegar
  • sesame oil
  • sugar
  • red pepper flakes
  • green onions
  • cilantro
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Smash cucumbers with the flat side of a knife until cracked but not completely broken.
  2. 2Cut smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
  3. 3Mince garlic and add to the bowl with cucumbers.
  4. 4Pour soy sauce and rice vinegar over the cucumbers.
  5. 5Drizzle sesame oil into the mixture.
  6. 6Sprinkle sugar and red pepper flakes over the salad.
  7. 7Season with salt to taste and mix well.
  8. 8Chop green onions and cilantro, then add to the salad.
  9. 9Toss everything together until well combined.
  10. 10Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: salt + water

Tamari is gluten-free while salt + water is a budget-friendly alternative.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil offers heart-healthy fats, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has health benefits, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness, while agave syrup is often cheaper.

Techniques

smashingmixing

Equipment

knifecutting boardmixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsoy

Also Known As

Smashed CucumbersChinese Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 large cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly.
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  3. 3Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing.
  4. 4Toss the cucumbers in the dressing until they are well coated.
  5. 5If using, chop the fresh dill and add it to the salad. Mix gently.
  6. 6Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. 7Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Equipment

large bowlcutting boardknifeplastic wrap

Ingredients

  • 2 medium cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup miso paste
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons.
  2. 2In a bowl, combine the miso paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  3. 3Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
  4. 4Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. 5Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving.
  6. 6Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskcutting boardknife

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