10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Name: 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491849H44M31S
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 large Japanese cucumber; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 tablespoons rice apple vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Published: January 31, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes needed, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh cucumbers keeps the salad light and invigorating, making it an ideal choice for hot days.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it chilled or at room temperature; it pairs wonderfully with various main dishes.
Healthy Choice: Low in calories yet packed with flavor, it’s an excellent option for those seeking healthy side dishes.
Easy Customization: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this simple yet delicious 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad), you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help streamline the preparation process and ensure your salad comes out perfect every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mandoline slicer
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mandoline slicer: This tool allows you to create perfect thin slices of cucumber quickly, ensuring even texture throughout the salad.
Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space for tossing ingredients, helping you combine flavors effectively.
Whisk: Using a whisk helps dissolve sugar in the dressing thoroughly, ensuring even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 large Japanese cucumber (see Note 1)
1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons rice apple vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Use a mandoline to thinly slice the cucumbers.
Toss the sliced cucumbers with sea salt and let them stand until moisture is drawn out, about 3 to 6 minutes depending on thickness.
Squeeze out the excess moisture. Taste and rinse if it’s too salty; otherwise, leave it as is.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the rice apple vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.
Whisk well to dissolve the sugar completely.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Toss the prepared cucumbers with the dressing until evenly coated.
Serve immediately or chill before serving for an extra refreshing bite. Enjoy!

How to Serve 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

10 Minute Sunomono is a delightful and refreshing dish that can complement a variety of meals. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for serving during warm weather or alongside hearty dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Light Appetizer

Start your meal with small portions of Sunomono to awaken the palate. Its tangy flavor prepares you for the main course.

Paired with Grilled Meats

Serve Sunomono alongside grilled chicken, beef, or lamb for a delicious contrast between the juicy proteins and crisp cucumbers.

On Rice Bowls

Top your rice bowls with a generous scoop of Sunomono for added freshness and crunch. It enhances the overall texture of the dish.

As a Side for Sushi

This salad pairs wonderfully with sushi rolls, providing a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of fish and rice.

With Asian Noodle Dishes

Include Sunomono as a side dish with noodle recipes like soba or udon. The acidity cuts through the richness of sauces often used in these dishes.

How to Perfect 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Creating the perfect 10 Minute Sunomono is all about technique and fresh ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your salad preparation.

Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for firm, fresh Japanese cucumbers for their sweetness and crunch. They make all the difference.
Slice Thinly: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thin slices, which absorb the dressing better and provide a more enjoyable texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to tweak sugar or vinegar levels based on your preference for sweetness or tartness.
Let it Chill: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving enhances its flavors and makes it even more refreshing.
Add Extra Flavor: Sprinkle additional toppings such as chopped scallions or shredded carrots to add color and flavor complexity.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve immediately after tossing with dressing. If left too long, cucumbers may become soggy.

Best Side Dishes for 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Complement your 10 Minute Sunomono with these fantastic side dishes that enhance its freshness while providing variety to your meal.

Teriyaki Chicken: Juicy chicken glazed in sweet teriyaki sauce creates a satisfying contrast to the lightness of Sunomono.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers umami depth that balances well with the fresh flavors of cucumber salad.
Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame provides protein and texture while being easy to prepare and serve alongside any meal.
Vegetable Tempura: Crispy vegetable tempura adds crunchiness that pairs beautifully with the refreshing nature of Sunomono.
Soba Noodles Salad: Cold soba salad dressed with sesame oil complements the coolness of cucumber salad, creating a harmonious meal.
Grilled Fish: Lightly seasoned grilled fish brings an element of richness that contrasts nicely with the tangy cucumber salad.
Pickled Vegetables: Serve assorted pickles as an appetizer or side; their tangy flavor enhances the overall dining experience.
Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes an excellent base that works well together with Sunomono’s bright taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad) can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that might affect your dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

Over-salting the cucumbers: Adding too much sea salt can make the salad overly salty. Sprinkle lightly and taste before adjusting.
Ignoring cucumber thickness: Slicing cucumbers too thick will lead to uneven texture. Use a mandoline for consistent thin slices.
Not letting cucumbers rest: Skipping the resting step means less moisture will be drawn out, resulting in a soggy salad. Allow 3-6 minutes for optimal results.
Skipping the whisking step: Failing to dissolve the sugar in the dressing can leave gritty bits. Always whisk until fully dissolved for a smooth dressing.
Serving too warm: Serving Sunomono immediately is tempting, but chilling enhances flavor. Let it sit in the fridge for a bit before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It’s best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers lose their crunch and texture when thawed.
If you want to prepare ahead, consider making the dressing separately.

Reheating 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Oven: Not suitable as this salad is meant to be served cold.
Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will wilt the cucumbers and change their texture.
Stovetop: This dish should not be reheated on a stovetop either; serve it chilled for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad):

What type of cucumber is best for Sunomono?

Japanese cucumbers are ideal because they are thinner-skinned and less bitter than regular cucumbers, providing a crisp texture.

Can I make 10 Minute Sunomono in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

How can I customize this Japanese cucumber salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or radishes for extra color and crunch. You can also try different seeds, such as pumpkin or chia seeds.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan when using plant-based ingredients like soy sauce and rice vinegar.

What should I serve with this salad?

10 Minute Sunomono pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu dishes, making it an excellent side for various meals.

Final Thoughts

The 10 Minute Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad) is not only quick and easy to make but also wonderfully refreshing. With its tangy dressing and crunchy cucumbers, it’s perfect for summer meals or as a light side dish year-round. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings!

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