19 Best Japanese Cucumber Pickle Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
In addition to its delicious sushi and flavorful ramen, Japan is also known for its pickled vegetables, specifically the Japanese cucumber pickle. This tangy and crunchy side dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is enjoyed by many around the world. If you're looking to make the best Japanese cucumber pickle at home, look no further. Here is a simple and easy-to-follow recipe that will have you making this delicious pickle in no time.
Crisp, refreshing, and packed with umami flavor, Japanese cucumber salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, tangy rice vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce, this simple dish adds a burst of freshness to any table.
2of 20
Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
For a healthy and satisfying meal, look no further than a Japanese salmon bowl. Tender flaky salmon, avocado, and crunchy veggies are served over a bed of steamed rice and drizzled with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It's a delicious and balanced meal that's quick and easy to make.
3of 20
Dill Pickle Spears
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, White Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Pickling Spice
Crunchy, tangy, and full of flavor, dill pickle spears are a classic snack that never goes out of style. These savory pickled cucumbers are perfect for snacking on their own, or as a side to your favorite sandwich or burger. Plus, they're super easy to make at home!
4of 20
Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
The Japanese know how to make fried chicken, and chicken karaage is a prime example. This crispy and juicy chicken is marinated in a garlicky soy sauce mixture and then coated in potato starch before being fried to perfection. Pack it in a bento box for a delicious and portable lunch.
5of 20
Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
Looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes? Look no further than Japanese salmon avocado rice bowls. Tender salmon, creamy avocado, and steamed rice are topped with a zesty wasabi mayo for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
6of 20
Japanese Instant Pickle
Main Ingredients: Daikon Radish, Carrots, English Cucumber, Chili Paste
Craving pickles but don't want to wait for them to ferment? Try making Japanese instant pickles! Thinly sliced cucumbers are soaked in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce for a quick and flavorful pickle that's ready to eat in just a few hours.
7of 20
Crispy Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Minced Garlic, Pickle, Dried Dill, Red
For a classic and irresistible snack, you can't go wrong with crispy dill pickles. These tangy and crunchy pickles are made with fresh dill, garlic, and mustard seeds for a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve them as a side to your favorite sandwich or burger, or enjoy them straight out of the jar.
8of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a traditional Japanese salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, seaweed, and a sweet and tangy dressing. It's the perfect side dish to any meal, and its light and refreshing flavors make it a great palate cleanser between courses.
9of 20
Vegan Japanese Fried Oysters (Kaki Fry) カキフライ
Main Ingredients: Kewpie Mayonnaise, Medium Firm Tofu, Pickles, White
For a delicious and plant-based twist on a classic Japanese dish, try making vegan Japanese fried oysters. These crispy and flavorful "oysters" are made with mushrooms and coated in a panko breadcrumb mixture before being fried to perfection. Serve them with a side of tartar sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
10of 20
Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
For a fun and portable way to enjoy sushi, try making a sushi burrito. This hybrid dish combines all the flavors and textures of sushi, but in a larger, easier to eat form. Fill it with your favorite sushi ingredients, wrap it up, and enjoy on-the-go.
11of 20
Old Fashion Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Water, White Vinegar, Pickling Salt, Cucumbers, Garlic
If you have a surplus of cucumbers, why not make your own old-fashioned refrigerator dill pickles? These pickles are easy to make and require no canning, just a simple brine of dill, garlic, and spices poured over sliced cucumbers and left to sit in the fridge for a few days. The result is a perfectly tangy and crunchy snack.
12of 20
Dill Pickle Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork Ribs, Water, Carrots, Parsnips, Leeks, Celery
Yes, you read that right - dill pickle soup is a thing, and it's surprisingly delicious. This creamy and tangy soup is made with potatoes, carrots, and dill pickles, and is the perfect way to use up any leftover pickles you may have. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh dill for a unique and flavorful meal.
13of 20
Pickle Juice Veggies
Main Ingredients: Pickles, Juice, Cucumber, Radishes, Small Carrots, Red
Don't let that leftover pickle juice go to waste - use it to make pickle juice veggies! Simply pour the juice over your favorite veggies, let them sit for a few hours, and you'll have a tangy and flavorful side dish. This is a great way to add some extra flavor to your usual veggie lineup.
14of 20
Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
For a classic and delicious sushi experience, try making your own sushi rolls at home. Whether you prefer traditional California rolls or more adventurous options like spicy tuna rolls, making sushi is easier than you think. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite fillings.
15of 20
Old Time Favorite- Mustard Pickle
Main Ingredients: Pickle, Pickling Cucumbers, Cauliflower, Onions, Salt
Mustard pickles are a classic and beloved side dish that has been around for generations. These tangy and sweet pickles are made with cauliflower, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and are flavored with a mustard and turmeric mixture. They're a perfect addition to any sandwich or burger.
16of 20
Pickle Juice Ranch Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Ranch Dressing, Pickles, Onions, Plain Greek
Ranch dressing gets a tangy upgrade in this pickle juice ranch cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a creamy and tangy pickle juice ranch dressing for a refreshing and flavorful side dish. This salad is a great way to use up any leftover pickle juice and adds a unique twist to the classic ranch dressing.
17of 20
Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
For a tasty and convenient lunch option, pack a Japanese fried chicken bento. Tender and crispy chicken karaage is served alongside steamed rice, pickled veggies, and a savory egg custard for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
This simple yet flavorful Japanese spinach salad is a staple in many Japanese meals. Blanched spinach is dressed in a sesame oil and soy sauce mixture and topped with toasted sesame seeds for a quick and healthy side dish.
19of 20
Garlic Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Water, Vinegar, Canning Salt, Fresh Dill
For a bold and flavorful twist on traditional dill pickles, try making garlic dill pickles. These pickles are made with fresh dill, garlic cloves, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. They're perfect for snacking on their own or adding to sandwiches and burgers.
20of 20
Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
Ingredients You'll Need
Japanese Cucumbers
The key to making the best Japanese cucumber pickle is to use the right type of cucumbers. Japanese cucumbers, also known as kyuri, are longer and thinner than regular cucumbers and have a sweeter taste. They can be found at most Asian grocery stores or farmer's markets.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in pickling as it helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers and adds flavor.
Vinegar
Japanese rice vinegar is the preferred type of vinegar for this pickle, as it has a milder taste compared to other types of vinegar. However, if you cannot find rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar is added to balance out the tangy flavor of the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness to the pickle.
Seasonings
To add more depth of flavor to the pickle, you can add a variety of seasonings such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. These can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Steps to Make the Best Japanese Cucumber Pickle
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash and dry the Japanese cucumbers. Cut off the ends and slice them thinly, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers
In a large bowl, sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and mix well. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the excess moisture to be drawn out.
Step 3: Rinse and Drain the Cucumbers
After the cucumbers have been salted, rinse them with cold water and drain them well. You can use a clean kitchen towel to gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
Step 4: Prepare the Pickling Liquid
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the Cucumbers to the Pickling Liquid
Place the drained cucumbers in a clean jar or container and pour the pickling liquid over them. Make sure the cucumbers are fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 6: Let it Marinate
Cover the jar or container and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once the pickles have marinated, they are ready to be enjoyed. They can be served as a side dish or added to sandwiches, salads, and sushi rolls for added flavor.
In conclusion, making the best Japanese cucumber pickle at home is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. This tangy and crunchy side dish is the perfect addition to any Japanese meal or can be enjoyed on its own. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade Japanese pickle.
