Today, this is not a Greek recipe, but rather a Japanese one. I love Japanese food, and I miss working in the Japanese restaurant in Las Vegas. While I was there, I learned how to make a wonderful, simple sunomono recipe that is incredibly good.

What is sunomono you may ask? Sunomono is a traditional Japanese vinegar-based salad. The word comes from su (vinegar) and mono (thing), meaning “vinegared dish.” It is my absolute loved salad, and it is easy to make! You only need patience, waiting for it to bathe in the delicious vinegar sugar. 🙂

Crisp Cucumber Sunomono Recipe

*Gluten free recipe  

Serves:

2–3

Ingredients:

• 2 Japanese cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2½ tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar (see notes)
• ½ teaspoon of gluten free soy sauce (optional, for depth—not traditional in all versions)
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (very light touch)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (I like using white or black sesame seeds)
• Optional: Finely chopped dill

Method:

1. Cut the cucumbers into very thin rounds. (See notes) If you want extra texture, lightly score the skin lengthwise before slicing.
2. Toss the cucumber slices with the salt and let them sit for about 8 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and keeps the salad crisp.
3. Take small handfuls of cucumber and softly squeeze out liquid.
4. In a small bowl, stir together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce (if using), and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
5. Add cucumbers (and any optional ingredients) to the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
6. Place mixture into sealed container and chill overnight. Serve with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes:

• You can use English, Persian, or Japanese cucumbers.
• If you do not want to use sugar, you can use honey but that will change the flavor a bit. You can remove the sugar completely and add more vinegar if you like.
• I like adding more of the vinegar to my mixture for that extra acidity kick!
• I like to add 1 garlic clove, minced to the mixture which will really enhance the flavor.
• Make this ahead of time so the flavors all meld together.
• The mandolin is your absolute best friend in this recipe. If you are a pro with the mandolin, yay! If not, please get the cucumber slices to at least 1/4 inch thickness.
• I like adding in very thinly sliced carrots to the salad for extra flavor.
• On occasion I will add in dill to the salad, I love the combination of the flavors. I know this isn’t traditional but is something I love.