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

  1. Slice Cucumbers

    Thinly slice the Japanese cucumbers using a sharp chef's knife.

    Time: PT1M

  2. 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

  3. Prepare Dressing

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds until the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT1M

  4. 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

  5. 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

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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10 minute Japanese Cucumber Salad

Recipe by Takes Two Eggs

A refreshing, 10‑minute Japanese cucumber salad that’s perfect as a side dish or light appetizer. Thinly sliced cucumbers are salted to release excess water, then tossed in a sweet‑savory rice‑vinegar dressing with soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds.

EasyJapaneseServes 3

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Source Video
9m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
19m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.49
Total cost
$0.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Let the cucumbers sit with salt to draw out water
  • Rinse and thoroughly pat dry the cucumbers before dressing

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully to avoid cuts.
  • Handle hot vinegar with caution if you choose to warm it (not required in this recipe).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Japanese cucumber salad in Japanese cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Japanese cucumber salad in Japan?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Japanese cucumber salad traditionally served in Japan?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Japanese cucumber salad traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does Japanese cucumber salad fit into the broader Japanese cuisine tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Japanese cucumber salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with Japanese cucumber salad?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Japanese cucumber salad?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Japanese cucumber salad recipe use salt to draw out water instead of draining the cucumbers raw?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Japanese cucumber salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Takes Two Eggs specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Takes Two Eggs?

A

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.

channel

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