19 Japanese Cucumber Salad Dressing Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Looking for a tasty and refreshing salad dressing to elevate your Japanese cuisine? Look no further than this Japanese cucumber salad dressing recipe! Made with fresh cucumbers and a handful of pantry staples, this dressing is easy to make and brings a burst of flavor to any salad or dish. Let's dive into the details of this delicious dressing and learn how to make it at home.
This refreshing and vibrant salad is the perfect complement to any meal. Made with crisp cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a touch of mirin, this Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is light and flavorful. The sweetness of the mirin balances out the tanginess of the rice vinegar, making this salad a harmonious combination of flavors.
2of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
If you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than this classic Japanese cucumber salad. With thinly sliced cucumbers, a sprinkle of salt, and a drizzle of soy sauce, this salad is both refreshing and savory. It's the perfect way to balance out the rich and smoky flavors of the chicken.
3of 20
Japanese cucumber salad (Cucumber Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Wakame, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Soy Sauce
This variation of the traditional sunomono adds a pop of color and flavor with the addition of thinly sliced carrots and red onion. The carrots add a touch of sweetness while the red onion adds a subtle kick of spice. Tossed in a sesame soy dressing, this salad is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
4of 20
Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Soy
This easy and versatile salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients, this salad can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a light and refreshing appetizer. The key to making the perfect sunomono salad is to slice the cucumbers thinly and let them marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.
5of 20
Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Persian Cucumbers
This version of the traditional Japanese cucumber salad is made with a rice vinegar and ponzu dressing. The ponzu adds a citrusy tang to the salad, making it a refreshing and zesty side dish. Topped with sliced radishes for an added crunch, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
6of 20
Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumber, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Soy Sauce
For a unique twist on the classic sunomono, try adding some edamame beans to the salad. Not only do they add a vibrant color, but they also provide a boost of protein and texture. Tossed in a honey soy dressing, this salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory.
This salad is a staple side dish in many Japanese restaurants. With a simple dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil, this salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. For an added pop of color and flavor, try topping the salad with some seaweed or sliced mango.
8of 20
Ebi Sunomono (Japanese Shrimp Salad)
Main Ingredients: Bean Thread Vermicelli, Shrimp, English Cucumber, Rice
This sunomono salad is elevated with the addition of cooked shrimp. The shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor to the salad. Tossed in a spicy mayo dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve it as a side dish or as a light and refreshing main course.
This salad is a great way to incorporate some greens into your meal. The tender spinach leaves are lightly dressed in a sesame soy dressing, making it a tasty and healthy side dish. For an added crunch, try topping the salad with some crispy wonton strips or crushed peanuts.
10of 20
Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
This Japanese-style potato salad is a crowd-pleaser. Made with potatoes, carrots, and cucumber, this salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. The secret to making the perfect Japanese potato salad is to mash the potatoes while they are still warm, allowing them to absorb the mayonnaise and rice vinegar dressing.
If you're looking for a lighter and healthier alternative to the traditional potato salad, this Japanese version is a must-try. Made with sweet potatoes, corn, and green peas, this salad is packed with nutrients and flavor. Tossed in a citrusy soy dressing, this salad is a fresh and delicious addition to any meal.
12of 20
Japanese Restaurant-style Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Chicken
This salad is a popular starter in many Japanese restaurants. Made with lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, this salad is light and refreshing. The carrot-ginger dressing adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick, making it a perfect appetizer to awaken your taste buds before indulging in your beer can chicken.
13of 20
Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
This quick pickled cucumber salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The cucumbers are pickled in a sweet and tangy vinegar mixture, making them crisp and flavorful. For an added kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or thinly sliced chili peppers to the pickling liquid.
14of 20
Japanese Cold Noodle Salad (Hiyashi Chuka)
Main Ingredients: Chuka Soba Noodles, Eggs, Salt, Sugar, Vegetable Oil
This cold noodle salad is a popular summer dish in Japan. Made with ramen noodles, cucumbers, and ham, this salad is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Tossed in a sweet and tangy soy sauce dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
15of 20
Japanese Restaurant Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Fresh Ginger, Shallot, Minced Onion, Rice
This salad is a staple in many Japanese restaurants. Made with carrots, cabbage, and romaine lettuce, this salad is crunchy and nutritious. The carrot-ginger dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the salad, making it a crowd-pleaser.
16of 20
Cucumber Salad made Japanese Style
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Mirin, Sugar, Salt, Sesame Seeds
This simple and delicious cucumber salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and marinated in a sweet and tangy rice vinegar dressing, making them crisp and flavorful. For an added crunch, try topping the salad with some toasted sesame seeds.
17of 20
Cucumber and Octopus Salad with Wasabi Vinaigrette,...
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Octopus Sashimi, Sea Salt, Roasted White
This unique and flavorful salad is a must-try for any seafood lover. The combination of octopus, cucumbers, and wasabi creates a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Tossed in a spicy and tangy vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect balance of heat and tanginess.
18of 20
Smoked Salmon, Avocado & Brown Rice Sushi Bowl
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lime, Light Soy Sauce, Wasabi
This deconstructed sushi bowl is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the hassle of rolling. Made with smoked salmon, avocado, and brown rice, this sushi bowl is both nutritious and delicious. Topped with a sweet and tangy soy sauce, this bowl is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
19of 20
Kani Salad – Japanese Crab Salad
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Imitation Crab, Shallot, Light
This Japanese-style crab salad is a refreshing and savory dish that is perfect for summertime. Made with imitation crab meat, cucumbers, and avocado, this salad is both light and filling. Tossed in a spicy mayo dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
This simple yet delicious cucumber salad is a staple in many Japanese restaurants. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a sesame soy dressing, this salad is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. For an added crunch, try topping the salad with some crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
Ingredients
- 1 large Japanese cucumber
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Start by peeling and thinly slicing the Japanese cucumber.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
4. Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumber and toss to coat evenly.
5. Let the cucumber salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve as a side dish or use as a topping for your favorite Japanese dishes. Enjoy!
Why Japanese Cucumbers?
So why use Japanese cucumbers in this dressing instead of regular cucumbers? Japanese cucumbers, also known as kyuri, have a thin skin and are seedless, making them perfect for salads and dressings. They also have a crisp and refreshing taste, adding a unique flavor to this dressing. If you can't find Japanese cucumbers, you can substitute with regular cucumbers, but the texture and taste may differ slightly.
Health Benefits
Aside from its delicious taste, this Japanese cucumber salad dressing also offers numerous health benefits. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, the rice vinegar and soy sauce in the dressing provide a boost of probiotics and digestive enzymes . So not only is this dressing tasty, but it's also good for you!
Final Thoughts
This Japanese cucumber salad dressing is a must-try for any Japanese food lover. It's simple to make, packed with flavor, and offers numerous health benefits. Plus, it's a versatile dressing that can be used in various dishes, from salads to stir-fries. So why not give it a try and add some Japanese flair to your next meal?
Now that you have the recipe, it's time to get cooking! Don't forget to share your creations with us. Happy cooking!