Light, crisp, and delicately tangy — Sunomono is a classic Japanese side salad made from thinly sliced cucumbers in a sweet vinegar dressing. It refreshes the palate and pairs perfectly with fish, rice, or any warm meal. Ideal for summer days or as a gentle appetizer full of umami balance.
Ingredients
🥒 2 Japanese cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
🧂 ½ tsp salt
🍶 2 tbsp rice vinegar
🍬 1 tbsp sugar
🍛 1 tsp soy sauce
🌿 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
🦑 Optional: a few strips of cooked octopus or wakame seaweed
Preparation
1️⃣ Slice cucumbers: Cut into very thin rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to release water.
2️⃣ Squeeze and drain: Pat cucumbers dry to remove excess moisture.
3️⃣ Mix dressing: In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until sugar dissolves.
4️⃣ Toss salad: Add cucumbers and optional octopus or seaweed. Toss gently.
5️⃣ Garnish: Top with sesame seeds and chill before serving.
Total Time
🕒 Prep: 10 min
🧊 Rest: 10 min
⏳ Total: 20 min
Nutritional Value
🔋 Calories: 45 kcal
💪 Protein: 1 g
🧈 Fat: 1 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 8 g
🧂 Sodium: 350 mg
Advice
For ultra-thin slices, use a mandoline slicer — it makes all the difference in texture!
Status
Cool, crisp, and tangy 🥒✨ Sunomono is the ultimate Japanese cucumber salad — light, fast, and addictive! #GrannyZen #Sunomono #JapaneseSalad #CucumberLove #FreshAndSimple
