Make 3 of the Best Japanese Cucumber Appetizers – Perfect Recipe Collections for Your Drinks
Make 3 of the Best Japanese Cucumber Appetizers – Perfect Recipe Collections for Your Drinks! is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 3. 85 calories per serving. Recipe by Japanese Cooking Ichie on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 45 min
Cost: $12.09 total, $4.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cloves Garlic (crushed for Garlic Cucumber)
- 9 Cucumber (medium Japanese cucumbers, stems removed, 3 for each variation)
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Stock Granules (for Garlic Cucumber base flavor)
- 4 pinches Salt (2 pinches for Garlic Cucumber, 2 pinches for Spicy Cucumber (water extraction))
- 3-4 pinches Black Pepper (for Garlic Cucumber)
- 2.5 tablespoons Sesame Oil (1 tbsp for Garlic Cucumber, 1.5 tsp for Spicy Cucumber, 0.5 tbsp for Infinite Cucumber)
- 4 tablespoons Water (for Garlic Cucumber (adjustable to 5 tbsp for milder taste))
- 5.5 teaspoons Soy Sauce (1.5 tsp for Spicy Cucumber, 4 tbsp (12 tsp) for Infinite Cucumber – total 5.5 tsp used in recipe)
- 1.5 teaspoons Doubanjiang (Spicy Bean Paste) (for Spicy Cucumber)
- 5.5 teaspoons Sugar (1.5 tsp for Spicy Cucumber, optional 4 tsp for Infinite Cucumber)
- 3.5 teaspoons Vinegar (1.5 tsp for Spicy Cucumber, 2 tsp for Infinite Cucumber)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (finely chopped for Infinite Cucumber)
- 2 teaspoons Crushed Red Pepper (for Infinite Cucumber)
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (for Infinite Cucumber)
- 50 cc Water (for Infinite Cucumber) (approximately 3.3 tbsp)
Instructions
Prepare Garlic Cucumber – chopping
Crush 3 garlic cloves with the side of a knife, then roughly chop 3 cucumbers into bite‑size pieces, removing the stems first.
Time: PT10M
Season Garlic Cucumber
In a large bowl combine the cucumber pieces, crushed garlic, 1 Tbsp chicken stock granules, 2 pinches salt, 3‑4 pinches black pepper, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 4 Tbsp water. Mix thoroughly.
Time: PT5M
Marinate Garlic Cucumber
Transfer the seasoned cucumber to an airtight container, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Time: PT3H
Temperature: 4°C
Prepare Spicy Cucumber – accordion cut
Place two chopsticks on each side of a cucumber and cut at 0.5 cm intervals without cutting through, creating an accordion pattern. Repeat on the back side with diagonal cuts, then flip and repeat for all three cucumbers. Separate into 5 cm bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT12M
Draw out moisture from Spicy Cucumber
Place the cut cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle 2 pinches of salt, gently massage, then press each piece by hand for 2‑3 minutes to release excess water.
Time: PT5M
Season Spicy Cucumber
In a large bowl combine the drained cucumbers with 1.5 tsp soy sauce, 1.5 tsp sesame oil, 1.5 tsp doubanjiang, 1.5 tsp sugar, and 1.5 tsp vinegar. Mix evenly.
Time: PT4M
Marinate Spicy Cucumber
Transfer to an airtight container, seal, and refrigerate for 2‑3 hours.
Time: PT3H
Temperature: 4°C
Prepare Infinite Cucumber – chopping
Cut the remaining 3 cucumbers into irregular chunks. Finely chop 2 stalks of green onion using diagonal cuts on both sides. Grate 1 garlic clove.
Time: PT10M
Season Infinite Cucumber
In a large bowl combine cucumbers, green onion, grated garlic, 2 tsp crushed red pepper, 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tsp vinegar, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, 50 cc water, and optionally 4 tsp sugar. Mix thoroughly.
Time: PT5M
Marinate Infinite Cucumber
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, seal, and refrigerate for 2‑3 hours.
Time: PT3H
Temperature: 4°C
Serve
After marination, arrange each cucumber snack on separate plates. Sprinkle extra black pepper on Garlic Cucumber if desired, and drizzle any remaining sauce over Infinite Cucumber before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 85
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: non‑vegetarian, contains gluten, contains soy, contains sesame, contains shellfish
Allergens: soy, sesame, shellfish (oyster sauce), gluten (soy sauce, doubanjiang)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Cucumber: English cucumber, Zucchini (raw)
- Instead of Chicken Stock Granules: vegetable stock granules, dashi powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Sesame Oil: toasted peanut oil
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Doubanjiang (Spicy Bean Paste): chili bean sauce, sambal oelek (less salty)
- Instead of Sugar: honey (1 tsp)
- Instead of Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Green Onion: scallions
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper: red pepper flakes
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: mushroom soy sauce (vegetarian)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Small Bowl
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons
- Airtight Container (≥700 ml)
- Spatula or Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Crush garlic for Garlic Cucumber to neutralize cucumber's grassy flavor.
- Accordion‑cut cucumbers for Spicy Cucumber without cutting through.
- Salt and massage cucumbers to draw out excess moisture.
- Mix seasonings thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Marinate each variation in the refrigerator for at least 2‑3 hours.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled water for the Garlic Cucumber to keep the cucumbers crisp.
- For a deeper umami, replace chicken stock granules with a dash of dashi powder.
- If you cannot find doubanjiang, substitute with a mixture of miso paste and chili flakes.
Troubleshooting
Cucumbers are watery after marination.
Ensure you salt and massage the cucumbers thoroughly before adding seasonings; you can also pat them dry with paper towels.
The dish is too salty.
Rinse the cucumbers briefly under cold water, drain, and add a splash of water to the seasoning mixture before the final mix.
Garlic flavor is too strong.
Reduce the number of garlic cloves to 1‑2 or use garlic powder (½ tsp) for a milder taste.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Consume within 1 hour of removal; otherwise keep chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
- All three salads improve in flavor after 3 hours of marination; they can be made the day before.
- Store each variation in separate airtight containers to prevent flavor mixing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber appetizers in Japanese izakaya culture?
Cucumber side dishes, known as "sunomono" or simple pickles, have long been served in Japanese izakayas as a refreshing palate cleanser that balances salty and savory drinks. Their crisp texture and light seasoning complement the strong flavors of sake and beer, making them a staple snack for social drinking.
What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber salads in Japanese cuisine?
In Kansai, cucumbers are often marinated with rice vinegar and sugar, while in Kanto the focus is on soy‑based dressings with sesame oil. Some regions add kelp (kombu) for extra umami, and others incorporate miso or chili bean paste for a spicier kick.
How is Garlic Cucumber traditionally served in Japan?
Garlic Cucumber is typically presented chilled in a small bowl, sprinkled with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds or extra black pepper, and eaten with chopsticks as a side dish alongside grilled fish or cold sake.
During which Japanese celebrations or occasions are cucumber appetizers like these commonly enjoyed?
Cucumber appetizers are popular during summer festivals (natsukaze), after‑work gatherings (nomikai), and as part of a traditional Japanese banquet (kaiseki) where they provide a light, refreshing start before heavier courses.
What authentic ingredients are essential for the Infinite Cucumber recipe versus acceptable substitutes?
Key authentic ingredients include Japanese soy sauce, oyster sauce, and crushed red pepper. Substitutes can be tamari for soy sauce, mushroom sauce for oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes for crushed red pepper, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with these cucumber appetizers?
They pair beautifully with grilled yakitori, cold sashimi, edamame, and a glass of chilled sake or Japanese lager. The crispness also balances richer dishes like tonkatsu or tempura.
How has the modern home‑cooking approach to cucumber snacks evolved in Japanese cuisine?
Home cooks now favor quick, no‑cook marinations using pantry staples like sesame oil and soy sauce, whereas traditional methods involved longer pickling with rice vinegar and kelp. Social media has popularized bold flavors such as garlic and doubanjiang, expanding the classic palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Cucumber at home?
Common errors include cutting the cucumbers all the way through, which destroys the accordion texture, and not salting enough to draw out moisture, resulting in a soggy salad. Also, over‑mixing can break the delicate cucumber pieces.
Why does this recipe use a 0.5 cm interval accordion cut for Spicy Cucumber instead of a simple slice?
The narrow, staggered cuts increase surface area dramatically, allowing the spicy sauce to penetrate each segment while keeping the cucumber’s crunch intact. Simple slices would absorb less flavor and become mushier.
Can I make these cucumber appetizers ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, prepare the salads up to the marination step and keep them sealed in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store each variation separately to preserve distinct flavors.
What does the YouTube channel Japanese Cooking Ichie specialize in?
The YouTube channel Japanese Cooking Ichie focuses on authentic yet approachable Japanese home‑cooking techniques, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday dishes, seasonal snacks, and izakaya‑style appetizers.
How does the YouTube channel Japanese Cooking Ichie’s approach to Japanese cucumber snacks differ from other Japanese cooking channels?
Japanese Cooking Ichie emphasizes quick, no‑cook preparations using common pantry items, while many other channels showcase longer pickling or fermentation methods. Ichie also provides detailed knife‑skill demonstrations, such as the accordion cut, which are less common elsewhere.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
