Tangy Japanese Cucumber Pickles: Quick Refreshing Recipe

Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe

Overview

Japanese Pickled Cucumber is a delightful and refreshing dish that perfectly complements sushi and spicy meals, offering a cool and tangy contrast. This quick and easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and is ready to enjoy with just a short marinating time.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Varies (overnight marination recommended)
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber
• 2 tsp salt (for salting cucumber)
• 4 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt (for vinegar mixture)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 35.7
• Fat: 0.1g
• Sodium: 1309.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 7.5g
• Protein: 0.5g

Instructions

1. Prepare Cucumbers: Start by washing the English cucumber thoroughly. Slice the cucumber thinly using a knife or a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.

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2. Salt the Cucumbers: Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of salt. Toss gently to coat all slices evenly. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.

3. Rinse Under Cold Water: After 5-10 minutes, rinse the cucumber slices thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. This rinsing step is crucial to prevent the cucumbers from becoming overly salty.

4. Prepare Vinegar Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Adjust sweetness and saltiness according to your preference.

5. Combine and Marinate: Place the rinsed cucumber slices into a clean, sealable container. Pour the prepared vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, ensuring all slices are submerged. Seal the container tightly.

6. Marinate Overnight: Refrigerate the container with the cucumbers for at least several hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, transforming the cucumbers into delicious Japanese pickles.

7. Serve: Once properly marinated, your Japanese Pickled Cucumber is ready to serve. Enjoy them as a refreshing side dish alongside sushi, as a palate cleanser with spicy foods, or simply as a healthy snack.

Tips for Perfect Pickles

• Slice Consistency: Aim for uniform thickness when slicing the cucumbers to ensure even marination.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the vinegar mixture to make the pickles sweeter or less sweet.
• Marinating Time: While the recipe suggests overnight marination for optimal flavor, you can taste-test after a few hours to adjust the flavor intensity.

Health Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Low in calories and fat
• Contains fiber and essential vitamins from cucumbers
• The vinegar contributes to digestive health and may aid in managing blood sugar levels

Conclusion

Japanese Pickled Cucumber is a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire, offering a burst of flavor that complements a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying them with sushi, adding them to a bento box, or simply snacking on them for a refreshing treat, these pickles are sure to become a favorite. Embrace the simplicity and elegance of Japanese cuisine with this easy-to-make recipe that’s as healthy as it is delicious.