16 Japanese Cucumber Kimchi Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
For those who are looking to add a unique and flavorful twist to their meals, a Japanese cucumber kimchi is the perfect recipe to try. This traditional dish combines the crisp freshness of cucumbers with the bold and spicy flavors of kimchi. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a great addition to any meal or even as a snack. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own Japanese cucumber kimchi at home.
If you're looking for a refreshing and light side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than this Japanese cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The result is a crisp and flavorful salad that is sure to please your taste buds.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
For a heartier meal, try serving your beer can chicken with a Japanese salmon bowl. Simply grill or bake some salmon fillets and place them on top of a bed of steamed rice. Add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions and drizzle with a homemade teriyaki sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
Upgrade your traditional bento box by adding some Japanese fried chicken, also known as karaage. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being coated in cornstarch and fried to perfection. Serve it alongside some rice, pickled vegetables, and other bento favorites for a satisfying and filling meal.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
Another delicious way to enjoy salmon with your beer can chicken is in the form of a rice bowl. In this dish, diced avocado is mixed with cooked rice and topped with grilled or baked salmon, a sprinkle of furikake seasoning, and a drizzle of soy sauce. This simple yet flavorful combination is a must-try for any seafood lover.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a type of Japanese salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy vinegar-based dressing. This refreshing side dish pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful chicken, making it a great addition to any beer can chicken recipe. For an extra kick of flavor, add some thinly sliced red onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making a sushi burrito to go alongside your beer can chicken? Simply wrap a sheet of nori around a bed of rice and your favorite sushi fillings, such as avocado, cucumber, and surimi. This handheld meal is perfect for a summer picnic and is sure to impress your friends and family.
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Tuna and Kimchi Onigirazu aka Japanese Rice Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Nori, Tuna, Vegenaise, English
Onigirazu, also known as a "rice sandwich," is a popular Japanese snack that is perfect for on-the-go eating. It typically consists of rice, filling, and nori, all wrapped together in a square shape. For a unique twist, try using a combination of tuna and kimchi as your filling. The tangy and spicy flavors will pair well with the rich and juicy beer can chicken.
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Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
No Japanese meal is complete without sushi, and beer can chicken is no exception. Whether you prefer traditional rolls like California or spicy tuna, or more unique options like tempura shrimp or eel, sushi is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
For a more traditional bento option, try making a Japanese fried chicken bento box. In addition to the karaage chicken mentioned earlier, you can also add some tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), steamed vegetables, and a variety of pickled items. This meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its colorful and compartmentalized presentation.
If you're looking for a comfort food side dish to go with your beer can chicken, look no further than Japanese potato salad. This version of potato salad is made with mashed potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and hard-boiled eggs, all mixed together with a creamy dressing. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory and will make a great addition to any meal.
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Japanese Rainbow Roll
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber
If you're feeling ambitious and want to try making your own sushi, why not attempt a Japanese rainbow roll? This colorful and flavorful roll consists of a variety of fish, avocado, and cucumber, all wrapped together in a sheet of nori and sushi rice. The end result is not only delicious but also beautiful to look at.
For a lighter and healthier side dish option, try making a Japanese spinach salad. The spinach is lightly blanched and then tossed with a dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. This dish may seem simple, but the flavors are anything but. It's the perfect complement to a rich and juicy beer can chicken.
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Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
Another variation of potato salad, this creamy Japanese version is made with mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, and mayonnaise. The result is a smooth and satisfying side dish that pairs well with almost any main course, including beer can chicken. Add some chopped bacon and green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
For a more traditional sushi experience, try making your own sushi rolls at home. The process may seem intimidating, but with some practice, you'll be rolling like a pro in no time. Add your favorite fillings, such as tuna, cucumber, and avocado, and enjoy alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and tasty meal.
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Japanese Onion Soup with Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Yellow Onion, Sea Salt, Ground Ginger
For a warm and comforting dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken, try making a Japanese onion soup with mushrooms. This savory soup is made with dashi broth, onions, mushrooms, and soy sauce, and is a staple in many Japanese restaurants. It's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.
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Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Main Ingredients: Teriyaki, Portobellos, Chicken Thighs, Shitake
For a filling and flavorful meal, try making a Japanese farm-style grilled teriyaki chicken bowl. The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and then grilled to perfection. Serve it on top of a bed of rice and add some sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Somen (Japanese Cold Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Ice Cubes, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
For a refreshing and light side dish, try serving somen noodles alongside your beer can chicken. These thin wheat noodles are typically served cold and are perfect for hot summer days. Dip them in a soy sauce-based dipping sauce or add them to a salad for a unique twist.
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Japanese Restaurant-style Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Chicken
In many Japanese restaurants, a simple green salad is often served as an appetizer or side dish. However, this salad is anything but ordinary. The dressing is made with a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Add some sliced cucumber and tomato for extra crunch and freshness.
If you can't get enough of the delicious karaage chicken mentioned earlier, why not make it the star of your meal? Serve it alongside your beer can chicken and add some steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a dipping sauce for a finger-licking good dinner.
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Japanese cucumber salad (Cucumber Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Wakame, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Soy Sauce
For a simple yet delicious side dish, try making a Japanese cucumber salad, also known as cucumber sunomono. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing, making it the perfect complement to rich and juicy beer can chicken. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and light addition to your meal.
Preparing the Ingredients
To start off, you will need Japanese cucumbers, garlic, ginger, green onions, and red pepper flakes. It is important to use Japanese cucumbers for this recipe as they are known for their thin skin and crunchy texture, making them perfect for pickling. The garlic and ginger will add depth and spice to the dish, while the green onions provide a fresh and savory component. The red pepper flakes are the key ingredient to give this cucumber kimchi its signature heat and kick of flavor.
Preparing the Cucumbers
Wash the Japanese cucumbers and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also slice them lengthwise if you prefer a thinner and more delicate texture. Sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making them more crisp and ready to absorb the flavors of the kimchi. Rinse off the salt and pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
Making the Kimchi Paste
In a bowl, mix together garlic, ginger, green onions, and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. Mix in some sugar to balance out the heat and add a touch of sweetness. This paste will be the base of your kimchi and will give the cucumbers their bold and tangy flavor.
Assembling and Fermenting
Take a large jar or container and place a layer of the cucumber pieces at the bottom. Spread a layer of the kimchi paste on top, making sure to coat the cucumbers evenly. Continue layering the cucumbers and paste until all ingredients are used up. Press down on the cucumbers to remove any air pockets and make sure they are fully covered in the paste. Close the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
Enjoying Your Japanese Cucumber Kimchi
After 24 hours, your Japanese cucumber kimchi will be ready to eat. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, but trust us, it won't last that long. Serve it as a side dish to add a burst of flavor to your meal, or enjoy it as a refreshing snack. This versatile dish is a must-try for anyone who loves the bold and vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine. So gather your ingredients and give this delicious Japanese cucumber kimchi recipe a try today!
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