Japanese Pickled Cucumber

Transform your mealtime with the refreshing crunch and tangy flavor of Japanese Pickled Cucumber, a quick and easy side dish that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and savory notes. Made with crisp Japanese or Persian cucumbers, this recipe uses a simple marinade of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, enhanced by a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness. Optional red chili flakes add a whisper of heat for those who crave a bit of spice. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep and marinated to perfection, these pickles make a delightful accompaniment to rice dishes, sushi, or grilled meats. Serve chilled for a refreshing bite that captures the essence of Japanese simplicity and flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Japanese cucumber (or Persian cucumber)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds (toasted)
• 0.5 teaspoon Optional: Red chili flakes or thinly sliced red chili

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 2

Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, mix together the salt and sugar.

Step 4

Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss them with the salt and sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 5

Let the cucumbers sit for about 5 minutes to release excess water.

Step 6

Drain the water from the bowl and gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any remaining liquid.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, and (optional) red chili flakes or sliced chili.

Step 8

Pour the marinade over the cucumbers and mix well to coat all the slices.

Step 9

Cover the bowl and let the cucumbers sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a stronger flavor, let them marinate for up to 4 hours.

Step 10

Before serving, sprinkle the pickled cucumbers with toasted sesame seeds.

Step 11

Serve chilled as a side dish or snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(348.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	88.0

Total Fat 2.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2571.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 16.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.9g	0%
Total Sugars 9.4g
Protein 3.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 69.1mg	0%
Iron 1.3mg	0%
Potassium 475.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.8%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 65.5%