18 Cooling Japanese Cucumbers Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Another great way to enjoy the refreshing taste of Japanese cucumbers is by using them in a traditional cooling recipe. This dish is perfect for hot summer days and is a popular appetizer or side dish in Japan. Not only is it delicious, but it also has many health benefits, making it a great addition to any meal. Let's take a look at how to make this simple yet flavorful dish.
One of the most refreshing and light dishes in Japanese cuisine, Japanese cucumber salad, or sunomono, is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. The result is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and sour flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. It's the perfect side dish for a hot summer day or a light lunch on its own. Give it a try and taste the flavors of Japan in every bite.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
Get your dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids with this delicious Japanese salmon bowl. Tender, flaky salmon is marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, then served over a bed of steamed rice. Top it off with some furikake, a Japanese seasoning made with dried seaweed and sesame seeds, for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients and can be ready in just 30 minutes. It's the perfect weeknight meal that will make you feel like you're dining in a Japanese restaurant.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
Japanese fried chicken, also known as karaage, is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in potato starch and deep-fried to crispy perfection. This dish is often served as part of a bento, a traditional Japanese lunch box, alongside rice and vegetables. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Give it a try and experience the ultimate comfort food in Japanese cuisine.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
Looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that's easy to make? Look no further than Japanese salmon avocado rice bowls. Grilled or pan-seared salmon is served over a bed of rice and topped with creamy avocado, pickled ginger, and a drizzle of soy sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the salmon and avocado. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
If you thought regular cucumber salad was refreshing, wait until you try the Japanese version, sunomono. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, then topped with kanikama (imitation crab) and sesame seeds. This dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. The crispness of the cucumbers and the tanginess of the dressing make for a perfect combination of flavors that will have you going back for seconds.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
If you love sushi but want a more filling option, try a sushi burrito. This fusion dish combines the flavors and ingredients of sushi with the convenient handheld form of a burrito. Layers of rice, raw fish, vegetables, and toppings are wrapped in a sheet of seaweed and rolled into a burrito shape. It's the perfect on-the-go meal for sushi lovers and a fun twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.
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Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
Sushi rolls, or maki, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and a must-try for any sushi lover. These rolls are made by wrapping a sheet of seaweed around a layer of rice and various fillings, such as raw fish, vegetables, or cooked meats. The roll is then sliced into bite-sized pieces and served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. With endless possibilities for fillings, sushi rolls are a versatile dish that can cater to any taste preference.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
For a satisfying and convenient lunch option, try a Japanese fried chicken bento. This bento box features bite-sized pieces of crispy fried chicken, rice, and various side dishes such as vegetables, pickles, and tsukemono (pickled vegetables). The combination of textures and flavors in this dish will keep your taste buds satisfied and make you feel like you're dining in a Japanese restaurant.
Looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish? Give Japanese spinach salad a try. Tender spinach leaves are blanched and then tossed in a dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. This dish is often served as part of a traditional Japanese meal and is a great way to add some greens to your diet. The dressing is what makes this dish stand out, giving the spinach a savory and nutty flavor that's hard to resist.
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Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
Potato salad may not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but it's a popular side dish in Japan. Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with mayonnaise, rakkyo (Japanese scallions), and cucumbers for a refreshing and flavorful salad. This dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks and can be made ahead of time. Give it a try and taste the unique twist that Japanese flavors add to this classic dish.
If you prefer a chunkier potato salad, then Japanese potato salad is for you. This dish features boiled potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers mixed with mayonnaise and sometimes hamu (ham). The result is a hearty and flavorful salad that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great side dish for grilled meats or a delicious addition to a bento box. Give it a try and see why this dish is a favorite in Japanese households.
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Japanese Rainbow Roll
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber
Add some color to your sushi selection with a Japanese rainbow roll. This roll features a combination of raw fish, such as tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, along with avocado, cucumber, and crab salad, rolled in a sheet of seaweed and rice. The result is a visually appealing and delicious dish that's sure to impress. It's a great option for sushi lovers who want to try something new and exciting.
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Somen (Japanese Cold Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Ice Cubes, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
On a hot summer day, nothing beats a refreshing bowl of somen, Japanese cold noodles. These thin noodles are served chilled and can be enjoyed plain or topped with a variety of ingredients, such as sliced egg omelet, cucumbers, and naruto (fish cake). The noodles are typically dipped in a light broth made with soy sauce and dashi, a Japanese stock. It's a perfect dish for a quick and light meal that won't leave you feeling weighed down.
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Japanese Restaurant-style Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Chicken
If you've ever dined at a Japanese restaurant, you've probably had this salad. The Japanese restaurant-style salad features a mix of lettuce, carrots, and cabbage, topped with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sesame oil. It's a simple yet delicious salad that is commonly served as a starter in Japanese restaurants. It's also a great way to incorporate some greens into your meal and add some texture and flavor to your plate.
Japanese fried chicken, or karaage, is a popular dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal. The chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sake, and ginger, then coated in potato starch and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. It's a must-try for any fried chicken lover and a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Sushi rolls, or maki, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and a must-try for any sushi lover. These rolls are made by wrapping a sheet of seaweed around a layer of rice and various fillings, such as raw fish, vegetables, or cooked meats. The roll is then sliced into bite-sized pieces and served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. With endless possibilities for fillings, sushi rolls are a versatile dish that can cater to any taste preference.
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Japanese Onion Soup with Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Yellow Onion, Sea Salt, Ground Ginger
Warm up on a cold day with a bowl of Japanese onion soup with mushrooms. This comforting soup features a clear broth made with soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and mushrooms. The onions add a hint of sweetness, while the mushrooms provide a hearty and meaty texture to the dish. It's a simple yet flavorful soup that's perfect for an appetizer or a light meal.
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Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Main Ingredients: Teriyaki, Portobellos, Chicken Thighs, Shitake
For a taste of Japanese home cooking, try a farm-style grilled teriyaki chicken bowl. This dish features juicy pieces of grilled chicken smothered in a homemade teriyaki sauce and served over a bed of rice. The sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake (Japanese rice wine), giving it a rich and savory flavor. This dish is a great option for a hearty and comforting meal that will transport you to the Japanese countryside.
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Japanese cucumber salad (Cucumber Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Wakame, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Soy Sauce
Cool off on a hot day with a refreshing Japanese cucumber salad, or sunomono. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. This dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. The crispness of the cucumbers and the tanginess of the dressing make for a perfect combination of flavors that will have you going back for seconds.
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Japanese Potato Salad Croquettes (Korokke)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Carrots, Cucumbers, Green Onions, Red Onions
Take your love for potato salad to the next level with Japanese potato salad croquettes, or korokke. Mashed potatoes are mixed with mayonnaise, carrots, and onions, then coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The result is a creamy and flavorful croquette that's perfect as a snack or side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover potato salad and add some variety to your meal.
The Recipe
To make this cooling Japanese cucumber recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
Japanese cucumbers
Salt
White sesame seeds
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Ginger (optional)
Instructions:
Start by washing and drying the Japanese cucumbers. Then, cut them into thin slices.
Sprinkle some salt on the cucumber slices and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This will help to draw out excess water and enhance the crunchiness of the cucumbers.
In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. You can also add some grated ginger for extra flavor.
Drain the excess water from the cucumber slices and pat them dry.
Next, pour the sauce mixture over the cucumber slices and mix well.
Sprinkle some white sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
Chill the dish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Health Benefits
Aside from being a delicious and refreshing dish, this cooling Japanese cucumber recipe also has numerous health benefits. Japanese cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, the dish does not require any oil, making it a healthier alternative to fried or greasy appetizers.
Final Thoughts
This cooling Japanese cucumber recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers a unique and refreshing twist to traditional cucumber dishes. It is a great way to beat the heat during the summer months and is a perfect addition to any Japanese-inspired meal. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious appetizer or side dish, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and body will thank you.
