Description
A refreshing and tangy Japanese Cucumber Salad featuring thinly sliced English cucumber marinated in a flavorful mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 English Cucumber
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Toasted White Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Score and Slice the Cucumber: Vertically score the sides of the English cucumber to create ridges, then very thinly slice the cucumber into rounds. Transfer the slices into a colander or strainer basket placed in the sink.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Sprinkle the cucumber slices evenly with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, tossing gently to coat. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers. Let them sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse and Drain: Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove all the salt. Allow them to drain well in the colander while you prepare the dressing.
- Prepare the Vinegar Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine Salad: Add the drained cucumber slices to the vinegar mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add Sesame Seeds and Chill: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds over the salad, giving it one last gentle toss. Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use an English cucumber which has fewer seeds and thinner skin.
- Make sure to thoroughly rinse and drain the cucumbers after salting to avoid an overly salty salad.
- Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and texture.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Toasting sesame seeds yourself intensifies their nutty flavor, but pre-toasted seeds also work well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Japanese cucumber salad, cucumber salad, rice vinegar dressing, easy side dish, gluten free salad, sesame cucumber salad
