Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate and intricate flavors that tantalize the taste buds. One of the most versatile and beloved vegetables in Japanese cooking is the cucumber. With its refreshing and crisp texture, it is a staple ingredient in many Japanese dishes. In this article, we will explore a delicious and simple recipe that combines the flavors of tamari, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create a mouthwatering Japanese cucumber dish. So, let's get started and discover how to make this delightful dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Toasted Sesame Oil, Cucumbers, Scallions
This refreshing and light dish is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. The coolness of the cucumbers paired with the nutty soba noodles makes for a delicious combination. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.
Start by cooking your soba noodles according to package instructions. While they're cooking, thinly slice your cucumbers and toss them with a dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. Once the noodles are done, rinse them with cold water and toss them with the cucumbers. Serve chilled and enjoy!
This simple and flavorful salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It's the perfect side dish to accompany any meal, especially when you're in the mood for something light and refreshing.
To make this salad, start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and placing them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
3of 20
Chilled Soba in Cucumber Cups
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Soba, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to serve soba noodles, try them in cucumber cups! This dish is perfect for parties or as a light lunch option. Simply scoop out the seeds of a cucumber and fill the hollowed out portion with cooked soba noodles, diced avocado, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Not only does this dish look impressive, but the combination of the cool cucumber with the warm soba noodles creates a delicious contrast in textures. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables!
4of 20
JAPANESE SUSHI BOWL WITH CHICKPEA TOFU
Main Ingredients: Chickpea Flour, Water, Ginger, Salt, Spices, Cumin
If you're a fan of sushi, you'll love this deconstructed version in bowl form. This recipe uses chickpea tofu, which is a great vegan alternative to traditional tofu. The sushi bowl is filled with a variety of colorful vegetables, including carrots, radishes, and edamame, and is topped with a creamy sesame dressing.
To make the chickpea tofu, simply blend together cooked chickpeas, a bit of flour, soy sauce, and water. Pour the mixture into a lined pan and bake until firm. Then, assemble your sushi bowl with your choice of vegetables and top with the sliced tofu. Drizzle with the sesame dressing and enjoy!
5of 20
Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
Rice bowls are a popular and convenient meal in Japanese cuisine. This version features tender, flaky salmon, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumbers on a bed of fluffy rice. The key to making this dish is to marinate the salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake before grilling it to perfection.
For a bit of extra flavor, add a dollop of wasabi or sprinkle with furikake seasoning. This dish is not only delicious, but it also provides a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
6of 20
Quinoa Edamame Sushi Bowl with a Tahini Wasabi Dressing
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Tamari, Sesame Oil, Quinoa, Edamame, Medium
This sushi bowl is a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and filling meal. It's made with a base of quinoa instead of rice, and is topped with edamame, carrots, cucumber, and avocado. The real star of this dish is the creamy tahini wasabi dressing, which gives it a delicious kick.
To make the dressing, simply whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and wasabi paste. Adjust the amount of wasabi to your desired level of spiciness. Serve the dressing on the side or drizzle it over the top of the sushi bowl.
7of 20
Sesame Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: English Cucumbers, Frozen Shelled Edamame, Medium
This cucumber salad is full of bold flavors and textures. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, and red bell pepper, and is tossed in a dressing made of sesame oil, ginger, miso, and honey. The result is a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.
For even more protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or tuna. Serve as a side dish or enjoy as a light lunch option.
8of 20
Miso-Roasted Asparagus and Pickled Carrot Sushi Bowls
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Fine Sea Salt, Sushi
This sushi bowl is bursting with flavor and color. The roasted asparagus and pickled carrots add a unique twist to the traditional sushi bowl. The vegetables are tossed in a dressing made of miso, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, giving each bite a tangy and savory flavor.
For a vegetarian option, omit the salmon and top the bowl with crispy tofu or tempeh instead. Whichever option you choose, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Sesame Oil, Red Cabbage, Curly Kale
This make-ahead lunch option is perfect for those who are short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal. It's made with soba noodles, avocado, carrots, and cucumber, and is tossed in a flavorful dressing made of peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice.
To make this dish, cook your soba noodles and toss them with the vegetables and dressing. Divide into meal prep containers and store in the fridge for an easy and nutritious lunch option throughout the week.
10of 20
Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
This salmon bowl is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It's made with a bed of steamed rice, sautéed spinach, and pan-seared salmon topped with a flavorful teriyaki sauce. The result is a dish that is both simple and delicious.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the salmon with tofu or tempeh. You can also switch up the vegetables to your liking, such as using bok choy or mushrooms instead of spinach.
11of 20
Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Cold Water, Rice Vinegar, White
If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own sushi rolls at home! This recipe features spicy salmon, cucumber, and avocado wrapped in nori and perfectly cooked sushi rice. The key to making this dish is to have a good sushi rolling technique, but don't worry – practice makes perfect!
Serve the sushi rolls with a side of soy sauce and wasabi for dipping. You can also get creative and add in other ingredients such as cream cheese, sesame seeds, or crab meat.
12of 20
Japanese Zucchini Noodle Salad with Miso Dressing
Main Ingredients: Red Miso, Ground Ginger, Fresh Basil Leaves, Toasted
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great low-carb alternative to traditional noodles. In this recipe, they are paired with a flavorful miso dressing, edamame, carrots, and radishes. The result is a refreshing and healthy salad that is perfect for a hot summer day.
If you don't have a spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles, you can also use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini. Top the salad with your choice of protein, such as grilled shrimp or tuna.
13of 20
TOFU POKE BOWL (VEGAN + EASY)
Main Ingredients: Tamari, Rice Vinegar, Sambal Oelek, Sesame Oil, Garlic
Poke bowls are a popular Hawaiian dish that has made its way into Japanese cuisine. This vegan version uses tofu marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. The tofu is then served over a bed of rice and topped with a variety of colorful vegetables, such as avocado, carrots, and red cabbage.
This dish is not only visually appealing, but it also provides a great balance of flavors and nutrients. Plus, it's a great option for those who are looking for a plant-based meal.
14of 20
Japanese Smashed Cucumber Salad (Tataki Kyuri)
Main Ingredients: Persian Cucumbers, Tamari, Sesame Oil, Maple Syrup
This unique salad is made by smashing cucumbers and tossing them with a dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. The result is a dish that is both crunchy and refreshing. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal and adds a pop of color to your plate.
If you don't have a mortar and pestle to smash the cucumbers, you can also use the back of a large knife or a rolling pin. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture.
15of 20
Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
Pickled cucumbers, or tsukemono, are a popular side dish in Japanese cuisine. They are made by marinating thinly sliced cucumbers in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and mirin for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. These pickles are a great addition to any meal and are also a great way to add some probiotics to your diet.
For a twist on this classic dish, you can also add in other vegetables such as carrots or radishes. You can also adjust the amount of mirin and soy sauce to your liking.
16of 20
Easy Glazed Salmon With Soba Noodles, Broccoli and...
Main Ingredients: Tamari Soy Sauce, Sriracha, Sesame Oil, Maple Syrup
This dish is a complete meal in one bowl. It features tender salmon glazed with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil, served over a bed of soba noodles and broccoli. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
If you're in a rush, you can use pre-cooked salmon and microwaveable soba noodles to make this dish even easier. You can also add in other vegetables such as bok choy or mushrooms.
17of 20
Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl With Ground Beef and...
Main Ingredients: Rice, Ground Beef, Soy Sauce, Garlic, Sesame Oil
Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that has also become popular in Japanese cuisine. It's a rice bowl topped with a variety of vegetables, ground beef, and a spicy gochujang sauce. It's a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge and is a satisfying and flavorful meal.
This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding in extra vegetables or a protein alternative such as tofu or mushrooms. Serve with a fried egg on top for even more protein and flavor.
18of 20
Asian Quinoa Salad
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Red Cabbage, Edamame, Red Bell Pepper, Shredded
This quinoa salad is a great way to switch up your lunch routine. It's made with a base of fluffy quinoa and is topped with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, snow peas, and red bell pepper. The salad is dressed with a tangy and flavorful dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
To make this dish even heartier, add in some grilled chicken or shrimp. It's a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and filling lunch option.
19of 20
Cucumber and Octopus Salad with Wasabi Vinaigrette,...
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Octopus Sashimi, Sea Salt, Roasted White
Octopus is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is often used in salads. In this recipe, it's paired with refreshing cucumbers and tossed in a zesty wasabi vinaigrette. The salad is also filled with other ingredients such as avocado, radishes, and lettuce, making it a colorful and tasty dish.
If you're not a fan of octopus, you can also use shrimp or crab meat. The dressing can also be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness by adding more or less wasabi.
20of 20
Sushi-style Smoked Salmon Salad
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Caster Sugar, Snow Peas
This salad is a healthier take on the classic sushi roll. It's made with a base of mixed greens and is topped with smoked salmon, avocado, and cucumber. The dressing is a combination of soy sauce, honey, and lime juice, giving the salad a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the smoked salmon with tofu or tempeh. You can also add in other sushi-inspired ingredients such as pickled ginger or crab meat.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
The combination of tamari, sesame oil, and rice vinegar is a classic trio in Japanese cuisine. Tamari, a type of soy sauce, provides a rich and savory flavor. Sesame oil adds depth and nuttiness to the dish, while rice vinegar provides a delicate tanginess. Together, these ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors that enhance the natural taste of the cucumber.
Bringing Out the Best in Japanese Cucumbers
When it comes to choosing the right cucumber for this recipe, Japanese cucumbers are the best option. They are slender, crisp, and have fewer seeds compared to other varieties. This means they hold up well when marinated in the tamari, sesame oil, and rice vinegar mixture, allowing the flavors to infuse into the cucumber without becoming soggy.
A Versatile Side Dish or Snack
This Japanese cucumber recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a refreshing side dish to complement any Japanese meal, or as a healthy snack on its own. The cucumbers can also be sliced into thin ribbons and added to salads or used as a topping for sushi rolls, adding a burst of flavor to any dish.
Simple and Quick to Make
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy and quick it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a tasty Japanese cucumber dish ready in no time. It is an excellent option for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up a flavorful and healthy dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Final Result
The end result of this Japanese cucumber recipe is a dish that is bursting with flavors and textures. The tanginess of the rice vinegar, the nuttiness of the sesame oil, and the savory notes of the tamari come together to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more. So, why not give this recipe a try and add a touch of Japanese flair to your next meal?
![Avocado Tofu Poke Bowl [vegan, gluten free] - Veggiekins Blog](https://veggiekinsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_6068.jpg)
