Discover the refreshing taste of Japan with this delightful recipe for Japanese Pickled Cucumber Sunomono! This quick and easy dish, ready in just 10 minutes, is the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a light snack on its own. Imagine biting into crisp, tangy cucumbers that burst with flavor, all while being effortlessly simple to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this sunomono recipe will elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests. Dive into the world of Japanese cuisine and learn how to create this vibrant, healthy dish that will leave everyone wanting more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers very thinly (approximately 1-2 mm thick). Aim for uniform, translucent slices that will absorb the pickling liquid quickly.
- Place the cucumber slices in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently massage the salt into the cucumber slices to help draw out excess moisture. Let the cucumbers sit for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, squeeze the cucumber slices gently to remove the released water. You can use your hands or press them lightly with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and sugar until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a sweet and tangy pickling liquid.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the salted cucumber slices and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to pickle.
- Before serving, give the sunomono a quick stir and transfer to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top as a garnish for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: For the best results, use Japanese cucumbers or English cucumbers, as they are typically less bitter and have fewer seeds than regular cucumbers.
- Slice Thinly: Ensure your cucumber slices are uniform and thin (1-2 mm thick) to maximize absorption of the pickling liquid, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Massage the Salt: Take your time when massaging the salt into the cucumber slices. This step is crucial for drawing out excess moisture and enhancing the overall texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount in the vinegar mixture based on your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar!
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the cucumbers to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
- Add Variations: Experiment with additional ingredients like sliced radishes, shredded carrots, or even a splash of soy sauce for a unique twist on traditional sunomono.
- Presentation Matters: For an appealing presentation, serve the sunomono in small bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 15kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
