Japanese Cucumber Salad

Name: Japanese Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Salt to taste

Jack Ellison

Update : March 15, 2026

A vibrant bowl of Japanese cucumber salad with sesame and vegetables.

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why make this recipe

This salad is fast, fresh, and light. It uses few ingredients. You can make it in ten minutes. It goes well with rice, fish, or grilled vegetables.

introduction

Japanese Cucumber Salad is a simple side dish. It is cool and slightly tangy. The dressing is sweet and salty with sesame flavor. The salad needs little prep and tastes fresh.

how to make Japanese Cucumber Salad

Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and salt.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Ingredients :

2 large cucumbers
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt to taste

Directions :

Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and salt.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

how to serve Japanese Cucumber Salad

Serve cold or at room temperature. Put the salad in a small bowl. Use it as a side with rice bowls, grilled fish, or simple sandwiches. It also works as a light snack.

how to store Japanese Cucumber Salad

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 2 days for best texture. The cucumbers will soften if you keep them longer.

tips to make Japanese Cucumber Salad

Pat cucumbers dry with a towel to keep crunch.
Use thin slices for quicker flavor soak.
Taste the dressing and adjust salt or sugar as needed.
Toast the sesame seeds for more flavor.

variation (if any)

Add a little sliced red onion for bite.
Mix in wakame seaweed for a classic sunomono style.
Use rice sugar or honey if you prefer a different sweetener.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other cucumbers?
A: Yes. English or Persian cucumbers work well. Regular cucumbers work too; peel if the skin is thick.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make it 10 minutes before serving for best crunch. You can make it a few hours ahead, but it will be softer.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Q: Can I add more dressing?
A: You can double the dressing if you like more sauce. Taste and adjust before adding more.

Conclusion

This Japanese Cucumber Salad is quick and fresh. For a classic sunomono version with extra tips, see Sunomono Salad Recipe (Japanese Cucumber Salad). For another clear guide with photos and serving ideas, visit Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) • crisp & refreshing!.