Refreshing Japanese Cucumber Salad with Mint
This Refreshing Japanese Cucumber Salad is a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, ideal for warm days or as a crisp side dish. The recipe harks back to a beloved dish I used to enjoy, capturing the essence of that memory - the tanginess of rice wine vinegar combined with the sweetness of mirin and sugar creates a vibrant dressing that perfectly complements the crunchy cucumbers. Fresh mint adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, while crushed red pepper flakes provide just the right touch of heat to balance the dish. Best served chilled, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing in its simplicity. Perfect for any occasion, **this salad can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.**
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 (washed and sliced)
Rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Water
1 tablespoon (none)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Mirin
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Alternatively, you can peel the cucumber if you prefer a more delicate texture.
2
Cut the cucumber in half crosswise, then slice each half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the seeds with a spoon to ensure the salad remains crisp.
3
Thinly slice the cucumber into half-moon shapes, adjusting the thickness to your preference; thicker slices will stay crisper while thinner slices will soak in more flavor.
4
In a small bowl or a magic bullet jar, combine rice wine vinegar, water, sugar, mirin, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Process for about 30 seconds until the mint appears as fine specks.
5
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers in a glass bowl. Toss gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated, and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour for the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
When ready to serve, spoon the salad into individual shallow white prep bowls or traditional Japanese ceramic dishes, drizzling a bit of the marinade on top for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
0.25
Fat
17
Carbs
0.5
Protein
1
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ingredient in this salad?
The primary ingredient is one cucumber, which should be washed and sliced into half-moon shapes.
How many calories are in a serving of this Japanese Cucumber Salad?
This salad contains approximately 75 calories per serving.
Is this cucumber salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only plant-based ingredients and seasonings.
How should I prepare the cucumber for the best texture?
Wash the cucumber, cut it crosswise and then lengthwise, and carefully scoop out the seeds with a spoon to ensure it remains crisp.
Should I peel the cucumber for this recipe?
Peeling is optional; you can peel it for a more delicate texture or leave the skin on if you prefer a crunchier salad.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 3 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar for a traditional tangy flavor.
What is the purpose of adding Mirin to the dressing?
Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the acidity of the rice wine vinegar.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For the flavors to meld beautifully, the salad should be refrigerated for a minimum of one hour.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild touch of heat provided by 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use a food processor or magic bullet for the dressing?
Yes, using a magic bullet or small processor for about 30 seconds helps incorporate the mint as fine specks throughout the dressing.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This salad is very low in fat, containing only 0.25 grams.
What is the carbohydrate count for this salad?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided in this dish?
The salad provides approximately 0.5 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber in this cucumber salad.
What role does fresh mint play in this recipe?
Fresh mint adds a burst of herbaceous flavor and visually appealing green specks to the dressing.
Can I adjust the thickness of the cucumber slices?
Yes, thicker slices will stay crisper, while thinner slices will soak in more of the marinade flavor.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It is best served chilled in shallow white prep bowls or traditional Japanese ceramic dishes.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 ingredients: cucumber, rice wine vinegar, water, sugar, mirin, salt, red pepper flakes, and fresh mint.
Can I customize the flavor of the salad?
Yes, the recipe description notes that this salad can be adjusted to suit your specific taste preferences.
What should I do with the marinade when serving?
When serving, you should drizzle a bit of the marinade on top of the cucumbers for extra flavor and presentation.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Absolutely, it is described as ideal for warm days and functions as a refreshing, crisp side dish.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is a thin, vibrant liquid infused with fine specks of mint.
How much salt is needed for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 2 teaspoons of sugar.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe falls under Japanese salads, healthy salads, and summer side dishes.
Is the cucumber peeled or unpeeled in the traditional version?
The recipe allows for both; you can peel it for a delicate texture or leave it unpeeled after washing.
What happens if I don't remove the cucumber seeds?
If you don't remove the seeds, the salad may release more water and become less crisp over time.
Is water added to the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of water is used to help balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What is the preparation style for the mint?
The fresh mint leaves should be chopped or processed until they appear as fine specks in the liquid.
Does this salad contain cholesterol?
Based on the provided data, the cholesterol content is not specified, but the ingredients are naturally cholesterol-free.