Refreshing Japanese Cucumber Salad with Sesame
This delightful Japanese Cucumber Salad combines the crispness of fresh pickling cucumbers with a balanced dressing of soy sauce and rice vinegar, topped with toasted sesame seeds for an aromatic finish. Inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's classic recipe, this salad is perfect as a side dish or light appetizer, offering a refreshing taste that celebrates the essence of seasonal vegetables. The clever use of salt draws out the natural moisture of the cucumbers, creating a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
pickling cucumbers
6 (sliced very thin)
salt
1 teaspoon (for salting cucumbers)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
rice vinegar
1.5 tablespoons (for dressing)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (lightly crushed and roasted)
Instructions
1
Start by slicing the pickling cucumbers very thinly using a mandolin slicer. Aim for even, delicate slices for the best texture.
2
Place the sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl and sprinkle evenly with salt. Toss the slices thoroughly to ensure they are well coated, then let them sit for about one hour to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture.
3
After an hour, drain the cucumbers and gently squeeze them to remove any additional liquid. Discard this liquid to achieve a crisp texture.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and rice vinegar until well combined.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the drained cucumbers, and sprinkle in the lightly crushed and roasted sesame seeds. Toss everything together gently until the cucumbers are well coated in the dressing.
6
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for a chilled salad. Enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Japanese Cucumber Salad?
It is a crisp and refreshing salad made with thinly sliced pickling cucumbers, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame seeds.
What type of cucumbers are best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for pickling cucumbers for their ideal texture and size.
How many cucumbers do I need?
You will need 6 pickling cucumbers to make this salad.
What is the best way to slice the cucumbers?
A mandolin slicer is recommended to achieve very thin and even delicate slices.
Why do I need to add salt to the cucumbers?
Salt is used to draw out natural moisture from the cucumbers, which creates a more satisfying and crisp crunch.
How long should the salted cucumbers sit?
The cucumbers should sit for about one hour to allow the salt to effectively remove excess liquid.
What should I do after the cucumbers have sat for an hour?
Drain the cucumbers and gently squeeze them to remove any additional liquid, then discard that liquid.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of a simple yet balanced blend of soy sauce and rice vinegar.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for the dressing.
How much rice vinegar should I use?
You should use 1.5 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
How should the sesame seeds be prepared?
The sesame seeds should be lightly crushed and roasted for an aromatic finish.
How many sesame seeds are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this cucumber salad is vegan-friendly.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This salad is inspired by a classic recipe from Madhur Jaffrey.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately after tossing it with the dressing and sesame seeds.
Can the salad be chilled before serving?
Yes, you can refrigerate the salad for up to 30 minutes if you prefer a chilled dish.
What is the texture of this cucumber salad?
The salad has a crisp, refreshing texture thanks to the thin slicing and salting process.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: pickling cucumbers, salt, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this particular recipe does not include sugar in its dressing.
Can I use a regular knife if I do not have a mandolin?
Yes, you can use a knife, but try to slice the cucumbers as thin and evenly as possible for the best texture.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy vegetable dish made with fresh ingredients and a light dressing.
What type of dish is this?
It is categorized as a Japanese salad, vegetable dish, side dish, or light appetizer.
Does the recipe require many tools?
You only need basic tools like a mandolin or knife, a mixing bowl, and a small whisk.
Why should I crush the sesame seeds?
Crushing the sesame seeds helps release their natural oils and enhances the overall aroma of the salad.
Is the salt rinsed off the cucumbers?
The instructions specify draining and squeezing them, rather than rinsing, to remove moisture.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
It is best enjoyed fresh or within 30 minutes of preparation to maintain its characteristic crunch.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but it uses 6 pickling cucumbers as the base.
What does the dressing taste like?
The dressing is savory and tangy, combining the saltiness of soy sauce with the mild acidity of rice vinegar.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Absolutely, its refreshing nature makes it a perfect dish for warm weather.
What is the essential step for the best crunch?
The essential step is allowing the sliced cucumbers to sit with salt for an hour and then squeezing out the excess liquid.