10 minute Japanese Cucumber Salad
10 minute Japanese Cucumber Salad is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 3. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by Takes Two Eggs on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 10 min
Cost: $1.49 total, $0.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Japanese Cucumber (about 300 g total, thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (coarse or kosher)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (prefer Japanese rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce (low‑sodium if desired)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
Instructions
Slice Cucumbers
Thinly slice the Japanese cucumbers using a sharp chef's knife.
Time: PT1M
Salt and Rest
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess water.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds until the sugar dissolves.
Time: PT1M
Rinse and Dry Cucumbers
Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water, then squeeze gently to remove water and pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT1M
Combine and Serve
Toss the dried cucumbers with the dressing, transfer to a serving dish, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 30
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 6 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free (use tamari), Low-Calorie, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Japanese Cucumber: English cucumber, Persian cucumber
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (use less)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (use less)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Pumpkin seeds
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Colander
- Spoon or Spatula
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Let the cucumbers sit with salt to draw out water
- Rinse and thoroughly pat dry the cucumbers before dressing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Japanese cucumbers for their thin skin and crisp texture.
- Toast sesame seeds briefly to enhance their nutty flavor.
- For extra zing, add a pinch of chili flakes.
Troubleshooting
Cucumbers are still watery after draining.
Salt them for a few extra minutes and squeeze more firmly, or slice even thinner.
Dressing is too salty.
Add a splash more rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance.
Sesame seeds are bitter.
Toast them lightly in a dry pan until golden.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become soggy.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing up to a day ahead and refrigerate.
- If making ahead, keep cucumbers and dressing separate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Japanese cucumber salad in Japanese cuisine?
Japanese cucumber salad, often called sunomono, is a traditional cold dish that dates back to the Edo period. It was created to showcase the crisp freshness of seasonal cucumbers and to provide a light palate cleanser between richer courses.
What are the traditional regional variations of Japanese cucumber salad in Japan?
In Kansai, the salad may include a splash of dashi broth, while in the Kanto region it often relies solely on rice vinegar and a hint of sugar. Some islands add grated daikon or a touch of yuzu for extra aroma.
How is Japanese cucumber salad traditionally served in Japan?
It is typically served chilled in small individual bowls as a side dish (okazu) alongside rice and main proteins. In formal meals it appears as part of the appetizer (sakizuke) course.
What occasions or celebrations is Japanese cucumber salad traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Because it is light and refreshing, it appears at summer festivals (natsu matsuri) and during tea ceremonies where a clean palate is valued. It is also common at family meals during the hot months.
How does Japanese cucumber salad fit into the broader Japanese cuisine tradition?
The dish exemplifies the Japanese principles of seasonality (shun), simplicity, and balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors. It complements richer dishes like tempura or grilled fish by providing contrast and freshness.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Japanese cucumber salad versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Japanese cucumbers, rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. Acceptable substitutes are English cucumbers for the cucumber, apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar (use less), and tamari for soy sauce if gluten‑free.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with Japanese cucumber salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled fish such as salmon or mackerel, tempura, teriyaki chicken, and a bowl of steamed rice. It also works as a palate cleanser between sushi courses.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Japanese cucumber salad?
Common errors include under‑salting the cucumbers (resulting in soggy salad), not drying them thoroughly (diluting the dressing), and over‑mixing which can bruise the delicate slices. Follow the resting and pat‑dry steps carefully.
Why does this Japanese cucumber salad recipe use salt to draw out water instead of draining the cucumbers raw?
Salting extracts excess moisture, concentrating the cucumber’s natural crunch and preventing the final salad from becoming watery. It also seasons the cucumber from the inside, enhancing overall flavor balance.
Can I make Japanese cucumber salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Store the salted cucumbers separate, then combine just before serving to maintain crispness.
What does the YouTube channel Takes Two Eggs specialize in?
The YouTube channel Takes Two Eggs specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on Asian-inspired dishes, especially Japanese and Korean comfort foods, using everyday pantry staples.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Takes Two Eggs?
Takes Two Eggs emphasizes simplicity, speed, and minimal equipment while still honoring authentic flavors. The host often demonstrates how to adapt traditional recipes for busy home cooks without sacrificing taste.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
