19 Recipe For Japanese Cucumbers Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cucumbers, also known as kyuri or kyuri no moto, are long, slender cucumbers with a mild and refreshing taste. These cucumbers are an essential ingredient in various Japanese dishes, from salads to pickles to soups. They are also a popular snack on their own, often served with a sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of soy sauce. While they may seem like a simple ingredient, there are a few key steps to preparing Japanese cucumbers that will ensure the best flavor and texture in your dishes. Follow this recipe for Japanese cucumbers and elevate your cooking to a whole new level.
If you're looking for a refreshing and light side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Japanese cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. It's the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and the crisp texture of the cucumbers adds a nice contrast to the juicy chicken. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
For a heartier meal, try this Japanese salmon bowl recipe. Simply grill or bake your salmon until it's flaky and tender, then serve it over a bed of steamed rice. You can also add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for extra flavor and nutrients. Top it off with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for a touch of sweetness, and you have a complete and delicious meal to pair with your beer can chicken.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
If you're feeling ambitious and want to try your hand at making some Japanese-style fried chicken, this chicken karaage bento is a must-try. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sake, then coated in potato starch and fried to crispy perfection. It's a great option for a packed lunch or a picnic, and it pairs well with the smoky and juicy flavors of beer can chicken.
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Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
Avocado lovers, rejoice! This Japanese salmon avocado rice bowl is the perfect dish for you. Simply grill or bake your salmon and place it on top of a bed of rice. Then, add sliced avocado, drizzle with a creamy and tangy Japanese mayo and soy sauce dressing, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Another take on the classic Japanese cucumber salad, this version is made with a sweet and tangy dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken, adding a refreshing and light element to the meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover cucumbers you may have on hand.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
Satisfy your sushi cravings with a twist on the classic roll – the sushi burrito. This dish is essentially a large sushi roll that's wrapped in a sheet of seaweed and filled with your choice of proteins, vegetables, and rice. It's a fun and customizable meal that pairs well with the bold flavors of beer can chicken. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and take it on-the-go for a picnic or lunch.
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Sushi Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup
If you prefer the traditional route, try making your own sushi rolls at home. You can use your favorite fillings, such as avocado, cucumber, crab, and shrimp, and roll them up in sheets of seaweed and sticky rice. It's a fun and interactive meal that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. And of course, it pairs well with a cold beer and some delicious beer can chicken.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
This bento box is another great option for a packed lunch or picnic. The Japanese fried chicken, or karaage, is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before being fried to crispy perfection. Serve it with some rice, steamed vegetables, and a side of teriyaki sauce for a complete and satisfying meal. It's a great way to switch up your usual lunch routine and enjoy some delicious flavors alongside your beer can chicken.
This simple and delicious Japanese spinach salad is a great way to add some greens to your meal. The spinach is lightly blanched and then tossed in a dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. It's a great way to balance out the richness of the beer can chicken and add some nutritional value to your 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 great side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The potatoes are boiled until tender and then mixed with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and mustard. You can also add in some diced carrots and cucumbers for added texture and flavor. It's a simple and satisfying dish that's sure to please your taste buds.
For a lighter and healthier version of the Japanese potato salad, try substituting the mayo with Greek yogurt. The tangy and creamy yogurt adds a nice twist to the dish and makes it a bit more guilt-free. It's a great way to balance out the indulgent flavors of beer can chicken and add some nutritional value to your meal.
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Japanese Rainbow Roll
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber
For an eye-catching and delicious sushi roll, try making a Japanese rainbow roll. This roll is filled with a rainbow of colorful vegetables, such as avocado, cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots, and topped with slices of fresh fish, like salmon and tuna. It's a fun and creative dish to make at home and pairs well with the smoky and juicy flavors of beer can chicken.
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Somen (Japanese Cold Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Ice Cubes, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
For a refreshing and light meal, try making somen, a Japanese cold noodle dish. The somen noodles are boiled and then served chilled with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. You can also add in some sliced cucumber and green onions for added crunch and flavor. It's a great option for a hot summer day and pairs well with the bold flavors of beer can chicken.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try making your own sushi rolls at home, check out this recipe for Japanese sushi rolls. The key to making perfect sushi rolls is in the rice – make sure to use short-grain Japanese rice and season it with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Then, add your favorite fillings and roll it all up for a delicious and satisfying meal to pair with your beer can chicken.
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Japanese Restaurant-style Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Chicken
If you love the salads served at Japanese restaurants, try making your own at home. The key to a good Japanese-style salad is in the dressing – a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Top it off with some crispy wonton strips and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. It's a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with the bold flavors of beer can chicken.
This Japanese fried chicken, or karaage, is a must-try for any fried chicken lover. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before being coated in potato starch and fried to crispy perfection. It's a great dish to pair with your beer can chicken for a double dose of deliciousness.
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Japanese Onion Soup with Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Yellow Onion, Sea Salt, Ground Ginger
This Japanese-style onion soup is a great starter or side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The broth is made with a combination of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, and is filled with flavorful mushrooms, green onions, and tofu. It's light, comforting, and adds some extra depth of flavor to your meal.
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Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Main Ingredients: Teriyaki, Portobellos, Chicken Thighs, Shitake
For a simple and delicious meal, try this Japanese farm-style grilled teriyaki chicken bowl. The chicken is marinated in a tangy and sweet teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. It's then served over a bed of fluffy white rice and topped with sautéed vegetables and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. It's a satisfying and flavorful dish that pairs well with the smoky and juicy flavors of beer can chicken.
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Japanese cucumber salad (Cucumber Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Wakame, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Soy Sauce
This version of Japanese cucumber salad is made with a light and refreshing dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's a great option for those who prefer a less sweet version of the salad. Plus, it's a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you may have on hand. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Japanese Potato Salad Croquettes (Korokke)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Carrots, Cucumbers, Green Onions, Red Onions
For a fun and tasty twist on the classic Japanese potato salad, try making these potato salad croquettes, or korokke. The creamy and flavorful potato salad is formed into patties, coated in panko breadcrumbs, and fried to crispy perfection. They're a great side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, and they're sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Preparing the Cucumbers
Choosing the Right Cucumbers
When it comes to Japanese cucumbers, freshness is key. Look for cucumbers that are firm, dark green, and free of wrinkles or blemishes. The cucumbers should also feel heavy for their size, indicating that they are filled with water and therefore more flavorful.
Pro tip: If you can, pick your own cucumbers from a local farm or grow them in your own garden for the freshest and most flavorful results.
Slicing and Preparing
Before slicing the cucumbers, wash them thoroughly and pat them dry. To preserve the crunchiness, it's best to slice the cucumbers thinly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for this, but be careful not to cut yourself. You can also peel the cucumbers if you prefer, although the skin adds extra crunch and nutrients to the dish. Once sliced, sprinkle some salt on the cucumbers and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This will draw out excess water and enhance the flavor of the cucumbers.
Making Japanese Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
2 Japanese cucumbers
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
After slicing and preparing the cucumbers, squeeze out any excess water and pat them dry.
In a bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until well combined.
Add the cucumbers to the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This refreshing and flavorful Japanese cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of tangy vinegar, salty soy sauce, and nutty sesame oil brings out the delicate taste of the cucumbers. Serve it with rice and your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
Now that you know how to prepare Japanese cucumbers, you can explore other ways of incorporating them into your cooking. They are delicious in stir-fries, soups, and even sandwiches. With their versatility and health benefits, Japanese cucumbers are a must-have ingredient in any kitchen. So next time you come across these crisp and refreshing cucumbers, give this recipe a try and taste the difference for yourself.
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