15 Japanese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its freshness, simplicity, and balance of flavors. One dish that exemplifies these characteristics is the Japanese smashed cucumber salad. This dish is a staple in Japanese households and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. With its refreshing taste and crunchy texture, it is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of this dish, as well as provide a step-by-step recipe for you to recreate this delicious salad at home.
This refreshing and crunchy Japanese Cucumber Salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing, it's the perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it's also easy to customize with your own favorite ingredients.
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Japanese Smashed Cucumber Salad (Tataki Kyuri)
Main Ingredients: Persian Cucumbers, Tamari, Sesame Oil, Maple Syrup
Tataki Kyuri is a popular variation of Japanese Cucumber Salad, where the cucumbers are smashed and then dressed with a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The smashing technique allows the cucumber to soak up the dressing, resulting in a burst of flavor with every bite. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy this classic Japanese dish.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is the Japanese word for vinegar-based dishes, and this Japanese Cucumber Salad is a perfect example. The cucumbers are marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. The result is a refreshing and light salad that is often served as a side dish in traditional Japanese meals.
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Japanese cucumber salad (Cucumber Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Wakame, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Soy Sauce
Cucumber Sunomono is a simple yet flavorful version of the Japanese Cucumber Salad. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and marinated in a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's a great way to use up excess cucumbers and is a perfect side dish for a hot summer day.
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Cucumber Salad made Japanese Style
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Mirin, Sugar, Salt, Sesame Seeds
This Japanese-style Cucumber Salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or fish. The dressing can also be used to marinate other vegetables, such as carrots or radishes, for a tasty variation.
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Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Soy
The Sunomono Salad is a classic Japanese dish that is often served as an appetizer or side dish. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and marinated in a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
This Japanese Cucumber Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The cucumbers are marinated in a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, and then topped with sesame seeds for added crunch. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as part of a sushi platter.
If you've ever dined at a Japanese restaurant, then you've probably tried their famous Cucumber Salad. This dish is made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's a refreshing and light appetizer that is perfect for any meal.
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Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumber, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Soy Sauce
Sunomono is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, and this version of the Japanese Cucumber Salad is a must-try. The cucumbers are marinated in a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, and then topped with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for added flavor. It's a delicious and easy side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Persian Cucumbers
This Japanese-style Cucumber Salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and marinated in a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, and then topped with sesame seeds for added crunch. It's a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for any meal.
This Japanese Spinach Salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is often served in traditional Japanese meals. The spinach is blanched and then dressed with a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. It's a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet and is a perfect addition to any meal.
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Creamy Japanese Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cucumber, Carrot, Hard Boiled Eggs, Kewpie
This creamy and flavorful Japanese Potato Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves mashed potatoes. The potatoes are boiled, mashed, and then mixed with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and soy sauce for a unique twist on a classic dish. It's a great side dish for any meal and is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Japanese Potato Salad is a popular side dish in Japanese cuisine, and for good reason. The potatoes are boiled and then mixed with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and soy sauce for a creamy and flavorful dish. It's a great way to use up leftover potatoes and is a perfect addition to any meal.
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Japanese Restaurant-style Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Chicken
This Japanese Restaurant-style Salad is a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking to add more greens to their diet. Made with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy carrot-ginger dressing, it's a flavorful and satisfying salad that is perfect for any meal.
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Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumber, Scallions, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy
These Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers are a great way to use up excess cucumbers and add a burst of flavor to any meal. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce for a tangy and refreshing side dish. It's a quick and easy recipe that is sure to impress.
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Japanese Cold Noodle Salad (Hiyashi Chuka)
Main Ingredients: Chuka Soba Noodles, Eggs, Salt, Sugar, Vegetable Oil
Hiyashi Chuka is a popular Japanese dish that is often served during the summer months. It consists of chilled noodles topped with a variety of vegetables, eggs, and a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Japanese Restaurant Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Fresh Ginger, Shallot, Minced Onion, Rice
This Japanese Restaurant Salad is a perfect example of how delicious and flavorful a simple salad can be. The carrots and ginger add a unique twist to the classic carrot-ginger dressing, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of fresh vegetables. It's a great way to add more greens to your diet and is a staple in many Japanese restaurants.
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Cucumber and Octopus Salad with Wasabi Vinaigrette,...
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Octopus Sashimi, Sea Salt, Roasted White
This Cucumber and Octopus Salad with Wasabi Vinaigrette is a delicious and unique way to enjoy seafood. The octopus is marinated in a tangy and spicy wasabi vinaigrette, and then tossed with thinly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing and flavorful salad. It's a great option for seafood lovers and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
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Smoked Salmon, Avocado & Brown Rice Sushi Bowl
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lime, Light Soy Sauce, Wasabi
This Smoked Salmon, Avocado & Brown Rice Sushi Bowl is an easy and healthy way to satisfy your sushi cravings at home. The combination of smoked salmon, avocado, and brown rice makes for a delicious and filling meal, and it's also a great way to use up leftover sushi ingredients. It's a perfect option for a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner.
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Ebi Sunomono (Japanese Shrimp Salad)
Main Ingredients: Bean Thread Vermicelli, Shrimp, English Cucumber, Rice
Ebi Sunomono is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of marinated shrimp and cucumbers. The shrimp is cooked and then mixed with a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's a light and refreshing dish that is often served as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine.
The Origins of Japanese Smashed Cucumber Salad
The Roots of Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. It is heavily influenced by Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, which emphasize the importance of balance and harmony in both food and life. Traditional Japanese meals consist of a variety of small dishes, each with its own unique flavors and textures, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. The Japanese smashed cucumber salad is a perfect example of this balance, with its crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and umami-rich toppings.
The Evolution of Smashed Cucumber Salad
The origins of this dish can be traced back to China, where it is known as "pai huang gua." It was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks and adapted to suit the Japanese palate. Over time, the dish evolved, and different regions in Japan put their own spin on it. In some areas, it is served with a miso-based dressing, while in others, it is topped with bonito flakes or sesame seeds. However, the basic concept remains the same - smashed cucumbers dressed in a flavorful sauce.
Making Japanese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
2 medium-sized cucumbers
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
Start by smashing the cucumbers. Place them on a cutting board and use a rolling pin or a large knife to gently smash them. This will help release the flavors and create a textured surface for the dressing to cling to.
Next, make the dressing by combining the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
Drizzle the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss to evenly coat them.
Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Variations and Tips:
For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding some chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
You can also add other toppings like shredded nori seaweed, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced radishes for added flavor and texture.
Make sure to use Japanese cucumbers, also known as kyuri, for this dish. They are thinner and have a milder flavor compared to their Western counterparts.
This salad is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it before serving.
In conclusion, the Japanese smashed cucumber salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. It is a perfect representation of the balance and harmony in Japanese cuisine and is sure to be a hit at your next meal. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the refreshing taste of this traditional Japanese dish.
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