Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe is light, refreshing and full of flavor. It is crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet. This salad is perfect as a side dish for lunch or dinner.
It pairs well with rice, grilled meats or sushi. This Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe is easy to make in just a few minutes.
Today, you will learn How to make Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe step by step. I will also share all the Ingredients for Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe clearly.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
- The secret is thin slicing and the dressing.
- Japanese cucumbers are crunchy and mild in taste.
- Rice vinegar gives tangy flavor.
- A little sugar balances the acidity.
- Sesame oil adds nutty aroma.
- Optional sesame seeds give extra texture and flavor.
- Chilling the salad for 10–15 minutes enhances the taste.
- Simple ingredients, big refreshing flavor.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Calories: 70 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plate or bowl
Ingredients You Need for Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe
- 2 Japanese cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 small pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
These are the simple Ingredients for Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe.
Instructions
- Slice the Cucumbers
Wash cucumbers. Slice thinly using a knife or mandoline. Place in a mixing bowl. - Sprinkle Salt
Add salt to cucumber slices. Toss gently. Let sit 5 minutes to draw out water. - Prepare Dressing
In small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and sesame oil. Whisk until sugar dissolves. - Rinse Cucumbers
After 5 minutes, rinse cucumbers with cold water. Pat dry with paper towel. - Toss with Dressing
Pour dressing over cucumber slices. Toss gently to coat evenly. - Add Optional Toppings
Sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired. Mix lightly. - Chill Before Serving
Place salad in fridge for 10–15 minutes. This makes it more refreshing. - Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to serving plate or bowl. Serve chilled as side dish.
Now you know How to make Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe easily at home.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use thin slices for crisp texture.
- Add thinly sliced onions for extra flavor.
- Use mirin instead of sugar for authentic Japanese taste.
- Sprinkle seaweed flakes for more umami flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste for saltiness.
- Chill longer for colder, refreshing salad.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
This salad is light, healthy and low in calories.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side with grilled chicken or fish.
- Pair with sushi or tempura.
- Add to bento boxes for a fresh touch.
- Serve chilled in small bowls for appetizers.
- Perfect for summer meals and picnics.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store salad in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 days.
- Do not leave at room temperature for long. Cucumbers will lose crispness.
- Stir before serving if dressing settles.
- Best served fresh for maximum crunch.
Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Japanese cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds optional
- 1 small pinch red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Slice the Cucumbers
- Wash cucumbers. Slice thinly using a knife or mandoline. Place in a mixing bowl.
Sprinkle Salt
- Add salt to cucumber slices. Toss gently. Let sit 5 minutes to draw out water.
Prepare Dressing
- In small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and sesame oil. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
Rinse Cucumbers
- After 5 minutes, rinse cucumbers with cold water. Pat dry with paper towel.
Toss with Dressing
- Pour dressing over cucumber slices. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Add Optional Toppings
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired. Mix lightly.
Chill Before Serving
- Place salad in fridge for 10–15 minutes. This makes it more refreshing.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer to serving plate or bowl. Serve chilled as side dish.
Notes
- Use thin slices for crisp texture.
- Add thinly sliced onions for extra flavor.
- Use mirin instead of sugar for authentic Japanese taste.
- Sprinkle seaweed flakes for more umami flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste for saltiness.
- Chill longer for colder, refreshing salad.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice for extra freshness.
FAQs about Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, English cucumbers work well. Japanese cucumbers are crisper and less seedy. - Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add more red pepper flakes or a few drops of chili oil for heat. - Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, make 1–2 hours ahead. Chill in fridge to enhance flavor. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, thinly sliced carrots or radishes work well for color and crunch. - How long does it stay fresh?
Best eaten within 1–2 days. Cucumbers may become watery if stored longer.
Conclusion
Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe is simple, refreshing and full of flavor. It is quick to prepare and perfect as a side dish. The crisp cucumber and tangy-sweet dressing make it irresistible.
Now you know How to make Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe easily at home. Gather the Ingredients for Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe and enjoy this light and tasty salad with your meals.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.