Japanese Cucumber Salad
This Japanese cucumber salad recipe with Wafu dressing is a kyuri sunomono variation that is light, refreshing, and super yummy!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb. mini cucumbers thinly sliced (see notes)
Wafu Dressing
- 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon sweetener (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds white or black.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
- Make the Wafu dressing. Add all the ingredients to a bowl, then whisk to combine, or add the ingredients to a small container with a lid, then shake well to combine. (See notes)
- Thinly slice the cucumbers, place in a serving bowl, pour the Wafu dressing over the cucumbers, then gently toss or stir to coat the cucumbers in the dressing. Allow the cucumbers to marinate for a few minutes.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and/or chopped Garlic Roasted Almonds if desired. (see notes) Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tips
- Wafu Dressing: You can make the dressing in advance and store it in an air-tight container in the fridge until ready to use. I usually make a double batch or more of the dressing to keep on hand for quick and easy meal prep. Just give the dressing a good shake before using it.
- Storage: I do not recommend storing the prepared cucumber salad since cucumbers have a high water content and can become soggy.
- Cucumbers: Thinly sliced Japanese cucumbers called kyuri, or Persian cucumbers work best. I normally use mini cucumbers, which are mini Persian cucumbers. The mini cucumbers are inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores. However, using Japanese cucumbers will create a more authentic kyuri sunomono.
- Sweetener: I use stevia to make a low-carb and sugar-free dressing. However, regular granulated sugar and brown sugar work, as well as other alternative sweeteners.
- Almonds: Chopped or crushed Garlic Roasted Almonds to add healthy plant protein, flavor, and crunch! Not a traditional sunomono ingredient, but I love the flavor, texture, and health benefits they add to the cucumber salad. If you want to add them, make them in advance so they are completely cooled.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Extra toasted sesame seeds or hemp hearts are also a great way to add additional plant-based protein.