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Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad – Easy Traditional Recipe

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Sunomono Japanese cucumber salad is a light and refreshing traditional dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a delicate sweet-and-sour rice vinegar dressing. It is crisp, tangy, and commonly served as a side dish in Japanese meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Japanese or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon soaked wakame seaweed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers and slice them very thin using a knife or mandoline.
  2. Place the cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently.
  3. Let the cucumbers rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  4. Gently squeeze and drain the cucumbers without rinsing.
  5. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
  6. Add the drained cucumbers to the dressing and toss gently to coat.
  7. Add sesame seeds or wakame if using and mix lightly.
  8. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Slice cucumbers very thin for best texture.
  • Do not rinse cucumbers after salting.
  • Adjust sugar slightly to taste, keeping sweetness subtle.
  • Best served fresh the same day.

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