Description
A refreshing and healthy Japanese cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a tangy rice vinegar and soy sauce dressing, enhanced with toasted sesame seeds and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumbers
- 2 large Japanese cucumbers or 4 Persian cucumbers
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and cut off both ends. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumbers into uniform pieces to ensure even texture and flavor absorption.
- Salt Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps keep the salad crisp.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove the excess salt. Then, gently squeeze out any remaining water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Set aside the prepared cucumbers.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and your choice of sugar or honey. Stir thoroughly until the sugar or honey is completely dissolved.
- Add Onion and Spices: Incorporate the thinly sliced red onion into the dressing. If desired, add red pepper flakes to infuse a mild spiciness. Mix well to coat the onion evenly within the dressing.
- Combine Salad: Pour the dressing mixture over the prepared cucumbers. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every cucumber slice is evenly coated.
- Chill: Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 20 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, adding a fresh herbal note and attractive presentation.
Notes
- Using a mandoline slicer ensures consistent thin slices for the cucumber, enhancing texture and flavor absorption.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, opt for honey instead of sugar in the dressing.
- The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- Make the salad ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours for even better flavor.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a bright finish but can be omitted for simplicity.
