17 Japanese Cucumber Tsukemono Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
In addition to being a staple in Japanese cuisine, cucumbers are a versatile and refreshing ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One popular way to enjoy cucumbers in Japan is by making tsukemono, or pickled cucumbers. This traditional recipe has been passed down for generations, and today we will be sharing with you a professional and well-organized introduction to making your own homemade Japanese cucumber tsukemono. Get ready to add a burst of flavor and crunch to your meals with this simple and delicious recipe.
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you've probably heard of yaki udon. This popular dish consists of thick, chewy udon noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and protein, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. But if you've never tried making it at home, it may seem intimidating. Fear not, because this recipe for Japanese yaki udon is perfect for beginners.
Gyudon, also known as Japanese beef bowl, is a traditional dish that is loved by many in Japan. It consists of thinly sliced beef, onions, and a sweet and savory sauce served over a bed of rice. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also quick and easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy an authentic Japanese meal in no time.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage Pancakes)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Water, Large Eggs, Cabbage
If you're a fan of savory pancakes, you have to try okonomiyaki. This Japanese dish is made with a batter of flour, eggs, cabbage, and your choice of protein. It's then cooked on a griddle and topped with a variety of toppings, including a special sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. These cabbage pancakes are a staple in Japanese cuisine and are a must-try.
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Japanese Beef Bowl (Gyū-don)
Main Ingredients: Beef, Onion, Dashi Stock, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, Soy
If you're in a hurry and need a quick and delicious meal, gyū-don is the perfect solution. This Japanese beef bowl is made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and a flavorful sauce. It's a popular dish in Japan and is often served at fast-food restaurants. But with this homemade version, you can enjoy a healthier and more authentic version of gyū-don in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Beef Chuck, Large Yellow Onion, Stir Fry Sauce, Dashi
If you have dietary restrictions, you may think that you can't enjoy delicious Japanese food like gyudon. But fear not, because this recipe is gluten-free and Whole30 approved. By using gluten-free soy sauce and arrowroot starch, you can still enjoy all the flavors of gyudon without the worry of gluten. And with the Whole30 stamp of approval, you can feel good about indulging in this tasty dish.
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Japanese Cold Noodles (Hiyashi Chuka)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Eggs, Noodles, Ham, Cucumber, Water, Japanese
During the hot summer months in Japan, a popular dish to cool off with is hiyashi chuka. This dish is made with cold noodles, vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It's the perfect balance of refreshing and satisfying, making it a favorite among locals. And now, you can recreate this delicious dish at home with this easy and delicious recipe.
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Gyudon
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Beef, Dashi, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Sake
If you're not a fan of onions, you may be hesitant to try gyudon. But don't let that stop you, because this recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavors of gyudon without the onions. By using just beef, rice, and a simple sauce, you can still enjoy a delicious and authentic Japanese beef bowl without the onions.
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Chicken Yakisoba
Main Ingredients: Worcester Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Ketchup, Soy Sauce
Yakisoba is a popular dish in Japan that is made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. And one of the most popular protein choices is chicken. This recipe for chicken yakisoba is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. And with the flavors of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and oyster sauce, you won't be able to resist this tasty dish.
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Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Flour, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Baking Powder, Nagaimo
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to enjoy okonomiyaki, try making it on a griddle with squid. This version of okonomiyaki is inspired by Japanese street food and is a popular choice among locals. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy this savory pancake, and the addition of squid adds a unique and tasty twist.
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Yakisoba
Main Ingredients: Yellow Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Carrot, Onion, Cabbage
Yakisoba is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. And one of the most popular variations is seafood yakisoba. This dish is made with a combination of shrimp, squid, and octopus, making it a true seafood lover's dream. With the addition of vegetables and a flavorful sauce, this yakisoba is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and unique dish.
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Okonomiyaki with Squid
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Dashi, Egg, Nagaimo, Salt, Soy
If you're a fan of seafood and okonomiyaki, you'll love this recipe for okonomiyaki with squid. This version of the popular Japanese pancake is packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the addition of tender squid. And with the classic toppings of sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, you won't be able to resist this delicious and unique dish.
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Okonomiyaki inspired by Sweetness & Lightning
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Oyster Sauce, Ketchup, Worcestershire
If you're a fan of Japanese anime and manga, you may have heard of the popular series Sweetness & Lightning. And in one of the episodes, the characters make okonomiyaki. This recipe is inspired by that episode and is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this popular Japanese dish. So channel your inner anime fan and try making this tasty okonomiyaki at home.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, look no further than this Japanese salmon bowl. This dish is made with marinated salmon, vegetables, and rice, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. And with the combination of sweet and savory flavors, it's a dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
If you're tired of the same old sandwiches for lunch, try making this Japanese fried chicken bento. Bento boxes are a popular choice for packed lunches in Japan, and this version is no exception. It's filled with delicious and juicy chicken karaage, rice, and a variety of vegetables, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
Sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest. This recipe for Japanese salmon avocado rice bowls is proof of that. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that is packed with omega-3s and plenty of flavor. It's the perfect dish for a quick and easy dinner or a light and refreshing lunch.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
If you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish, try making this Japanese cucumber salad. Also known as sunomono, this salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Japanese meal, and it's a great way to add some vegetables to your plate.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
Sushi burritos are a popular food trend that combines the flavors of sushi with the convenience of a burrito. And with this recipe, you can make your own at home. This sushi burrito is packed with all your favorite sushi ingredients, including sushi rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy sushi in a whole new way.
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Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
If you've always wanted to try making sushi at home, this recipe for sushi rolls is the perfect place to start. With just a few ingredients and some basic sushi rolling skills, you can create your own delicious and beautiful sushi rolls. And with options for vegetarian rolls, as well as classic rolls with fish, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
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Hiyashi Chuka--Cold Ramen Noodles
Main Ingredients: Ramen Noodles, Crepe, Green Onion, Cooked Shrimp
Another popular dish to enjoy during the hot summer months in Japan is hiyashi chuka, or cold ramen noodles. This dish is made with chilled ramen noodles, vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for those warm summer days when you don't want to turn on the stove. And with this recipe, you can recreate this tasty dish at home.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
Last but certainly not least, we have another bento box recipe that features Japanese fried chicken. These bite-sized pieces of juicy and crispy chicken are a favorite in Japan and make the perfect addition to any bento box. With the addition of rice and vegetables, this bento is not only delicious but also a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
The History of Tsukemono
The Origins of Pickling in Japan
Pickling has been a common preservation method in Japan for centuries, dating back to the Nara period (710-794). During this time, salt was used to preserve vegetables for long journeys or for times of scarcity. As time passed, the process of pickling evolved and became a popular way to add flavor and texture to meals.
The Tradition of Tsukemono
Tsukemono, which translates to "pickled things," has become an integral part of Japanese cuisine. It is often served as a side dish or an accompaniment to rice, and can be found in various forms such as crunchy, tangy, spicy, or sweet. Each region in Japan has its own unique style of tsukemono, making it a diverse and beloved dish across the country.
1. Wash and dry the cucumbers, then cut them into thin slices.
2. Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let them sit for 15 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and bonito flakes.
4. Squeeze the excess water from the cucumbers and add them to the vinegar mixture.
5. Gently mix the cucumbers with the vinegar mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.
6. Let the cucumbers marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Before serving, sprinkle shichimi togarashi on top of the cucumbers for an extra kick of spice.
The Benefits of Tsukemono
Packed with Nutrients
Cucumbers are a low-calorie vegetable that is high in water content, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. They are also a good source of vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants.
Improves Digestion
The fermentation process in tsukemono creates probiotics, which can aid in digestion and improve gut health. This makes tsukemono a perfect side dish to balance out heavier meals.
Enhances Flavor
Tsukemono adds a burst of flavor and texture to any meal. The tangy and crunchy pickled cucumbers can complement the savory flavors in a dish and add a refreshing element to your palate.
In Conclusion
Tsukemono is not only a delicious and versatile dish, but it also holds cultural and historical significance in Japan. By making your own Japanese cucumber tsukemono, you can experience the flavors of this traditional dish in the comfort of your own home. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful addition to your meal, give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your newfound pickling skills.
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