6+ Quick and Tasty Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipes You’ll Love to Make Today!
Japanese cuisine is filled with delightful surprises, and pickled cucumbers are a crunchy, tangy treat you won’t want to miss. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or topping, these pickles are bursting with flavor and easy to whip up. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these simple yet delectable recipes!
This refreshing dish combines the crispness of cucumbers with a sweet and tangy sauce that dances on your taste buds. Made with just a few ingredients, Namasu is a popular side dish during celebrations, making it extra special.
To create this delightful treat, you’ll need:
2 medium cucumbers
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
A pinch of salt
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
The magic happens when you slice the cucumbers thinly and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out the moisture. Rinse and combine with the sugar and vinegar mixture. Give it a good toss, and voilà! You’ve got a crunchy, sweet-and-sour side that’s perfect for any meal.
If you love a little heat, then Spicy Shoyuzuke is calling your name! This recipe brings together the savory goodness of soy sauce with a touch of chili, creating a perfect balance that enhances the natural flavor of the cucumbers.
Gather these ingredients:
2 Japanese cucumbers
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Start by slicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, chili flakes, and sesame oil. Toss the cucumbers in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. The result? A zesty, spicy pickle that adds a kick to your meals!
Tsukemono is the essence of Japanese pickling, and this classic recipe is as easy as it gets. With its subtle flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s a staple in many Japanese households, often served alongside rice.
Here’s what you’ll need:
2 large cucumbers
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
A piece of kombu (dried seaweed) for added umami (optional)
To prepare, simply slice the cucumbers and sprinkle them with salt. Let them rest for a few hours until they soften. Rinse off the salt and mix in the vinegar and sugar to balance the flavors. You can even add a piece of kombu for an extra layer of taste. Enjoy these pickles with rice, or as a side to your favorite dishes!
For a unique twist, these Yuzu Pickles bring a zesty citrus flavor that’s oh-so-refreshing! Yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, offers a distinctive aroma and taste that elevates the humble cucumber to new heights.
Here’s your ingredient list:
2 medium cucumbers
1/4 cup yuzu juice (or lemon juice as a substitute)
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
A sprinkle of salt
Slice your cucumbers and sprinkle them with salt, allowing them to sit for about 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix yuzu juice, honey, and rice vinegar for a sweet and tangy dressing. Combine the cucumbers with the dressing and let it marinate for about an hour. The result is a bright, citrusy pickle that’s perfect for summer days!
