17 Best Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate and intricate flavors, and pickled cucumbers are no exception. These tangy and crunchy treats are a staple in many Japanese households and are often served as a side dish or in bento boxes. While there are many different variations of pickled cucumber recipes, we have searched far and wide to bring you the best Japanese pickled cucumber recipe that is easy to follow and sure to impress your taste buds.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Wakame, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
One of the most beloved and traditional Japanese dishes is pickled cucumbers, known as Kyuri Zuke. These refreshing and tangy cucumbers are a staple in Japanese cuisine and are often served as a side dish or accompaniment to main meals. The process of pickling cucumbers is a simple one, but the result is a burst of flavor that adds a unique touch to any meal. Here are 20 ways to use pickled cucumbers in your cooking, from traditional Japanese dishes to creative twists on classics.
In Japan, cucumbers are often used in salads. This Japanese cucumber salad is a refreshing and light option that is perfect for warmer days. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, creating a delicious and tangy dressing that complements the crispness of the cucumbers. This salad is great on its own or can be served as a side dish to any Japanese meal.
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Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Japanese Cucumbers, Salt, Rice
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of pickled cucumbers, this easy recipe is for you. Simply mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and pour over thinly sliced cucumbers. Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The result is a quick and tasty side dish that pairs well with any Japanese meal.
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Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
If you're looking for a more traditional pickled cucumber recipe, this quick pickled cucumber dish is a must-try. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, along with ginger and chili flakes for added flavor. This pickled cucumber dish is perfect for adding a kick to your meals or snacking on throughout the day.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
Add a twist to your typical salmon dish with this Japanese-inspired salmon bowl. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, the salmon is then cooked and served over a bed of rice, topped with pickled cucumbers and avocado. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect option for dinner parties or special occasions.
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Home-made Fukujinzuke (Pickled Vegetables for Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Lotus Root, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ginger, Salt
In Japan, pickled vegetables are often served as a side dish to accompany curry dishes. Fukujinzuke is a popular pickled vegetable dish made with a variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, eggplants, daikon radishes, and lotus root. The vegetables are pickled in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and sake, resulting in a tangy and flavorful accompaniment to any curry dish.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
Chicken Karaage is a popular Japanese fried chicken dish that is often served in bento boxes. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in potato starch and fried to perfection. Served with pickled cucumbers and other side dishes, this bento box meal is a delicious and convenient option for lunch or on-the-go.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
For a healthy and filling meal, try these Japanese salmon avocado rice bowls. Marinated in a soy sauce and sake mixture, the salmon is grilled and served over a bed of rice, topped with avocado and pickled cucumbers. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a simple and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad that is often served as an appetizer or side dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, resulting in a tangy and sweet flavor. This dish is perfect for hot summer days and makes a great addition to any meal.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
If you love sushi but are looking for a new way to enjoy it, try making a sushi burrito. This fusion dish combines the flavors of sushi with the convenience of a burrito. Pickled cucumbers are a common ingredient in sushi burritos, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the dish. Fill your burrito with your favorite sushi ingredients and enjoy a unique and delicious meal.
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Japanese-Style Quick-Pickled Slaw
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Golden Brown
Bring a Japanese twist to your coleslaw with this quick-pickled slaw recipe. Shredded cabbage is pickled in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, resulting in a tangy and flavorful slaw that pairs well with any Japanese dish. This dish is a great option for BBQs or potlucks, adding a unique touch to your usual coleslaw dish.
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Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
Sushi rolls are a classic Japanese dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Pickled cucumbers are a common ingredient in sushi rolls, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the dish. Whether you prefer traditional sushi rolls or want to experiment with unique fillings, pickled cucumbers are a must-have ingredient for any sushi lover.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumber, Fine Sea Salt, Konbu, Water
Kyuri Asa-zuke is a type of Japanese pickled cucumber that is lightly pickled and served as a side dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers are pickled in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, resulting in a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. This dish is perfect for adding a pop of flavor to any meal and is a staple in Japanese cuisine.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
Another bento box option that features pickled cucumbers is Japanese fried chicken. This dish is made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated in a soy sauce and sake mixture, then coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. Served with pickled cucumbers and other side dishes, this bento box meal is a delicious and convenient option for lunch or on-the-go.
Japanese potato salad is a popular side dish that is often served with meals or in bento boxes. This creamy and flavorful potato salad is made with a variety of ingredients, including pickled cucumbers, carrots, and onions. The pickled cucumbers add a tangy and refreshing element to the dish, making it a standout side dish at any meal.
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Japanese Rainbow Roll
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber
Put a colorful twist on your sushi rolls with this Japanese rainbow roll recipe. This dish features pickled cucumbers, avocado, and a variety of other colorful ingredients, making it visually appealing and delicious. Whether you're a sushi-making pro or trying it for the first time, this rainbow roll is sure to impress.
Spinach salad is a popular side dish in Japan that is often served with meals or in bento boxes. This simple and nutritious dish is made with blanched spinach and a dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, and pickled cucumbers. The pickled cucumbers add a tangy and refreshing element to the dish, making it a great option for adding some greens to your meal.
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Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
For a unique twist on traditional potato salad, try this creamy Japanese potato salad recipe. The addition of pickled cucumbers adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dish, while the creamy dressing made with Japanese mayo and rice vinegar creates a delicious and unique flavor. This dish is a must-try for any potato salad lover.
Sushi rolls are a classic Japanese dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Pickled cucumbers are a common ingredient in sushi rolls, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the dish. Whether you prefer traditional sushi rolls or want to experiment with unique fillings, pickled cucumbers are a must-have ingredient for any sushi lover.
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Japanese Onion Soup with Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Yellow Onion, Sea Salt, Ground Ginger
If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, try this Japanese onion soup with mushrooms. The broth is made with a variety of ingredients, including pickled cucumbers, soy sauce, and sake, creating a rich and flavorful base for the soup. The addition of mushrooms adds a hearty element to the dish, making it a perfect option for a chilly day.
The Secret to Perfectly Pickled Cucumbers
Ingredients
To make the best Japanese pickled cucumbers, you will need Japanese cucumbers, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, soy sauce, mirin, and toasted sesame seeds. Japanese cucumbers are long and slender, with thin skin and minimal seeds, making them the ideal choice for pickling. As for the other ingredients, using high-quality Japanese brands will give you the most authentic and delicious results.
Preparation
Start by washing the cucumbers and slicing them into thin rounds. Place them in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. In the meantime, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and toasted sesame seeds in a bowl. Rinse the cucumbers with cold water and squeeze out any excess liquid. Then, add the cucumbers to the vinegar mixture and mix well.
Marinating and Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the cucumbers marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a stronger flavor. When they are ready to serve, drain the cucumbers and place them in a serving dish. Sprinkle some additional toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch and garnish with some thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color. These pickled cucumbers are the perfect accompaniment to any Japanese meal or can be enjoyed on their own as a refreshing snack.
Why This Recipe is the Best
What sets this Japanese pickled cucumber recipe apart from others is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. The use of mirin adds a subtle sweetness, while the soy sauce gives a depth of umami. The toasted sesame seeds add a nutty and fragrant taste, making these pickled cucumbers a flavor explosion in your mouth. And the best part? This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Now that you have the best Japanese pickled cucumber recipe, it's time to put it to the test and impress your friends and family with your newfound pickling skills. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your Japanese culinary repertoire. Give it a try and taste the deliciousness for yourself.
