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sesame cucumber salad sunomono japanese salad

Sesame Cucumber Salad Recipe (Japanese Sunomono)

This is the perfect addition to rice bowls, sushi nights, or summer BBQs. Easy to prep, vegan.
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Course: Raw, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: cucumber salad, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sunomono
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 38kcal

Equipment

  • mandoline
  • cutting board
  • 1 medium bowl for cucumbers
  • 1 small bowl for dressing
  • Fine mesh strainer or colander
  • Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
  • Small whisk or fork for mixing

Ingredients

  • 2 Japanese cucumbers or Persian cucumbers
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ¾ tablespoon sugar honey, or simple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ¾ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Optional

  • 1 tablespoon dried wakame rehydrate before adding

Instructions

  • Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick. A mandolin slicer works great for uniform pieces.
    2 Japanese cucumbers
  • Salt the cucumbers by tossing them in a bowl with ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
    1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Drain and squeeze the cucumbers. Either use a clean towel to press gently or place in a mesh strainer and press with the back of a spoon.
  • Make the dressing by whisking rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. You can also use simple syrup or honey.
    2 tablespoons rice vinegar, ¾ tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Rehydrate wakame (if using) by soaking in warm water for 5 minutes, then draining and squeezing dry.
    1 tablespoon dried wakame
  • Toss cucumbers and wakame with the dressing until fully coated.
  • Top with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
    ¾ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Sesame Cucumber Salad Recipe (Japanese Sunomono)
Amount per Serving
Calories
38
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.3
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Sodium
 
500
mg
22
%
Potassium
 
14
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.3
g
1
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
0.2
IU
0
%
Calcium
 
21
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.