17 Japanese Pickled Cucumbers Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
In addition to being a staple in Japanese cuisine, pickled cucumbers – also known as tsukemono – are a popular and delicious snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. This traditional recipe has been passed down for generations and has become a beloved part of Japanese culture. With its tangy, crunchy, and refreshing taste, it's no surprise that these pickled cucumbers have become a favorite among food lovers around the world. Let's take a closer look at how to make this simple yet flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Wakame, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This simple Japanese pickled cucumber recipe is a great way to add a tangy and refreshing kick to your beer can chicken. The cucumbers are lightly pickled in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, giving them a delicious sweet and sour flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a traditional Japanese meal.
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, this Japanese cucumber salad is the perfect choice. Thinly sliced cucumbers are dressed in a soy and sesame based sauce, making for a refreshing and flavorful addition to your meal. Plus, it's quick and easy to make!
This Japanese pickled cucumber recipe is a bit more complex than the previous one, but the extra effort is definitely worth it. The cucumbers are pickled in a mixture of sake, vinegar, and soy sauce, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a truly authentic Japanese experience.
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Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
If you're short on time but still want to add some crunch and flavor to your beer can chicken, this quick pickled cucumber recipe is the way to go. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, creating a tangy and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the beer can chicken.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumber, Fine Sea Salt, Konbu, Water
This traditional Japanese pickled cucumber recipe is a staple in many households. The cucumbers are lightly pickled in a mixture of salt, vinegar, and kombu, resulting in a crunchy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. It's a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal without overpowering the main dish.
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Miso Orange Salmon with Coconut Mango Rice and Pickled...
Main Ingredients: Salmon Filets, Mirin, White Miso Paste, Fresh Orange
For a more elaborate and impressive meal, try this miso orange salmon dish with coconut mango rice and pickled cucumbers. The salmon is marinated in a miso and orange glaze before being grilled to perfection. The coconut mango rice adds a tropical twist, while the pickled cucumbers provide a refreshing and tangy contrast. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
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Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Japanese Cucumbers, Salt, Rice
If you're short on time and ingredients, this easy Japanese pickled cucumber recipe is the perfect solution. All you need is some cucumbers, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and you'll have a delicious and refreshing side dish for your beer can chicken. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover cucumbers you may have in your fridge.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
This Japanese salmon bowl is a great way to switch up your beer can chicken routine. The salmon is marinated in a teriyaki sauce and then grilled to perfection. Serve it alongside some steamed rice and pickled cucumbers for a well-balanced and delicious meal.
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Home-made Fukujinzuke (Pickled Vegetables for Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Lotus Root, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ginger, Salt
If you're a fan of Japanese curry, you know that fukujinzuke is an essential condiment. This homemade fukujinzuke recipe allows you to customize the pickled vegetables to your liking. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a bold and flavorful meal that will transport you straight to Japan.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
If you're in the mood for some fried chicken but want to try something different from the usual beer can chicken, this Japanese fried chicken bento is the perfect choice. The chicken is marinated in a soy and ginger sauce before being fried to perfection. Serve it with some steamed rice, pickled cucumbers, and other bento favorites for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
This Japanese salmon avocado rice bowl is a great way to add some healthy fats and nutrients to your beer can chicken meal. The salmon is marinated in a teriyaki sauce and then grilled to perfection. Serve it with some sliced avocado and steamed rice for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This Japanese cucumber salad is a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your beer can chicken meal. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and dressed in a tangy vinegar-based dressing, making for a refreshing and flavorful side dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to a hot and juicy beer can chicken.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
If you're a fan of sushi, you'll love this sushi burrito recipe. It's a fun and unique way to enjoy your favorite flavors, and it's perfect for a grab-and-go meal. The burrito is filled with sushi rice, pickled cucumbers, avocado, and your choice of protein, making for a well-balanced and delicious meal that will satisfy your sushi cravings.
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Japanese-Style Quick-Pickled Slaw
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Golden Brown
This Japanese-style quick-pickled slaw is a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your beer can chicken meal. The cabbage and carrots are pickled in a mixture of rice vinegar and soy sauce, creating a tangy and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the beer can chicken. Plus, it's a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal.
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Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
For a more traditional Japanese meal, try making your own sushi rolls at home. It's easier than you think, and you can customize the fillings to your liking. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a fun and interactive dining experience. Plus, it's a great way to get the whole family involved in the cooking process.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
This Japanese fried chicken bento is a great option if you're looking for a more substantial meal. The chicken is marinated in a soy and ginger sauce and then fried to perfection. Serve it with some steamed rice, pickled cucumbers, and other bento favorites for a filling and satisfying meal that pairs well with your beer can chicken.
This Japanese spinach salad is a great way to add some greens to your beer can chicken meal. The spinach is blanched and dressed in a sesame-based dressing, making for a simple yet flavorful side dish. It's a great way to balance out the richness of the beer can chicken with some fresh and healthy greens.
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Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, this creamy Japanese potato salad is the way to go. The potatoes are boiled and mashed with mayonnaise and other flavorful ingredients, resulting in a rich and creamy salad that pairs perfectly with the juicy beer can chicken. It's a great way to add some extra carbs to your meal.
If you prefer a lighter and more refreshing potato salad, give this Japanese potato salad recipe a try. The potatoes are boiled and mixed with cucumbers, carrots, and ham, then dressed in a tangy and creamy dressing. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Japanese Rainbow Roll
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber
For a visually stunning and delicious addition to your beer can chicken meal, try making this Japanese rainbow roll. It's a fun and creative twist on a classic sushi roll, with layers of colorful vegetables and your choice of protein. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a show-stopping meal that will impress your guests.
Preparing the Cucumbers
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, the first step is to choose fresh and firm cucumbers. Japanese cucumbers are the best choice as they are smaller, sweeter, and have fewer seeds than traditional cucumbers. Wash and dry them thoroughly before slicing them into thin rounds or lengthwise into spears. The size and shape of the cucumber slices will affect the texture and flavor of the final product, so choose according to your personal preference. Removing the seeds is also optional, but it can help prevent the pickles from becoming too watery.
Salting the Cucumbers
Salting the cucumbers is an essential step in the pickling process as it draws out excess moisture and helps to preserve the crunchiness of the cucumbers. Kosher salt is traditionally used in this recipe as it does not contain any additives that could affect the flavor. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about an hour. This will allow the salt to penetrate the cucumbers and help to kill any bacteria.
Rinsing and Draining
After an hour, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly to remove the excess salt. Next, drain them well by pressing them gently between your hands or using a colander. Make sure to remove any excess water as this could dilute the pickling brine and affect the flavor.
Making the Pickling Brine
The pickling brine is what gives these cucumbers their distinctive tangy flavor. In a saucepan, combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. You can also add in other seasonings such as garlic, ginger, or chili peppers to give your pickles a unique flavor.
Pickling the Cucumbers
Place the rinsed and drained cucumbers in a clean jar, making sure to pack them tightly. Pour the hot pickling brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered. If using a larger jar, you can add more cucumbers and brine as needed. Let the pickles cool to room temperature before refrigerating them for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Enjoying Your Pickled Cucumbers
After 24 hours, your pickled cucumbers are ready to be enjoyed! These tangy and crunchy treats can be served as a side dish or as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or rice bowls. They also make a great addition to a traditional Japanese meal. With their refreshing taste and versatility, it's easy to see why this recipe has stood the test of time. So why not give it a try and add a taste of Japan to your next meal?
