Description
This Delightful Japanese Cucumber Salad offers a refreshing, crisp bite perfect for a light appetizer or side dish. Featuring thinly sliced Japanese cucumbers seasoned with a balance of salt, sweetness, tangy rice vinegar, and umami-rich soy sauce, topped with toasted white sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a simple, flavorful salad that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for enhanced freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium Japanese cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Slice and Salt the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the Japanese cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Sprinkle the slices evenly with sea salt and place them in a colander to drain for 5 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture and enhances the crunchiness of the cucumbers.
- Rinse and Drain: Rinse the salted cucumber slices thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Then, gently squeeze the cucumber slices to remove as much moisture as possible, ensuring a crisp texture in the final salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until the sugar is fully dissolved. This creates a balanced dressing that is sweet, salty, and tangy.
- Toss and Serve: Add the drained cucumber slices and toasted sesame seeds to the dressing. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately for a fresh taste or chill the salad for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use a mandoline slicer for uniform thin slices.
- Adjust sugar and soy sauce quantities according to your taste preference.
- To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Chilling the salad improves flavor melding but serve within 2 hours to maintain crispness.
- Apple cider vinegar may be used as a substitute for rice vinegar, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
