Cucumber Vinegar Salad
Refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad
Cucumber vinegar salad, also known as sunomono in Japanese cuisine, is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for hot summer days. It is a simple yet flavorful salad that showcases the crispness of cucumbers and the tangy sweetness of vinegar.
History and Cultural Significance
Sunomono has been a part of Japanese cuisine for centuries. It's often served as an appetizer or a side dish to cleanse the palate between courses. The use of vinegar not only adds flavor but also acts as a preservative, making it a practical choice for preserving vegetables.
Cooking Techniques
The key to a good cucumber vinegar salad is to thinly slice the cucumbers and allow them to marinate in the vinegar dressing for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the flavors and become more tender. Some recipes also include wakame seaweed or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 sheet nori seaweed, cut into thin strips (optional)
Instructions
- 1.Prepare the cucumbers
Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. You can use a mandoline for even slices.
- 2.Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
- 3.Marinate the cucumbers
Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss gently to coat.
- 4.Chill and serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and nori strips (if using).
Nutritional Information
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Refrigerator
Tips
- For a sweeter salad, add more sugar to the dressing.
- If you don't have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- To make the salad more visually appealing, use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of cucumber.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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