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Top view of sliced cucumbers with sesame seeds in dark bowl next to chopsticks, sliced cucumbers, and on a white plate and rattan mat
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Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad

Japanese Cucumber Salad, or Sunomono, is a popular Japanese dish. Serve this sweet, vinegary salad with rich meats, poke bowls, Korean barbecue, or on its own. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Additional Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Side Dish Recipes
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: asian cucumber salad, japanese cucumber salad, marinated cucumbers, sunomono
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 55kcal
Author: Lisa Childs

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 large english cucumber unpeeled, washed and sliced or shaved into extremely thin slices
  • 2/3 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Mirin
  • 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a jar or container with a lid, then shake. 
  • Push down all the cucumbers so they're submerged in the vinegar. 
  • Marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes and up to 5 hours. 
  • Serve the cucumber salad in a bowl, or out of the jar with tongs. 
  • Do not drink the vinegar mixture. 

Notes

  • If you eat all the cucumbers on the same day they were marinated, I store the vinegar mixture in the fridge and reuse it for at least one more batch of cucumbers!
  • Don't allow your pickles to marinate too long. It’s ok to do so, but I find the cucumbers taste watery the next day. I prepare this dish about 30 minutes to a couple of hours before serving. 

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Sodium: 2mg | Sugar: 8g