Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing

Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing Recipe - Vegetarian Japanese Dish

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, tangy soy sauce, and nutty sesame oil creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Asian cuisine, where cucumbers are often paired with soy sauce and sesame oil to create a simple yet delicious dish. The addition of rice wine vinegar and red pepper flakes adds a unique twist to the classic recipe, making it a flavorful and refreshing option for any meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp peanut oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp sesame oil
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5-1 tsp sugar (optional)
2 medium cucumbers, sliced paper thin
0.25 cup minced red onions
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the rice vinegar, peanut oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and sugar (if using), and whisk well.
Add cucumbers and red onion, and toss them in the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for an hour or up to 24 hours.
To serve, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.
The dish can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

Add sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a different herbaceous twist.
Drizzle the dish with a bit of honey or agave syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the cucumbers paper thin to ensure that they absorb the flavors of the dressing.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor.

- For a spicier version of this dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing can be served as a side dish or as a light and healthy meal on its own. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply mix the dressing, toss it with the cucumbers and onions, and let it marinate in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

- Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of peanut oil.

- Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing in a shallow bowl or plate, garnished with extra sesame seeds and cilantro for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls or as part of a larger spread for a party or gathering.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries, sushi, or dumplings. It also complements grilled meats, seafood, or tofu for a light and healthy meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To serve, let it come to room temperature or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing is a low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Cucumbers with Soy Sesame Dressing is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its refreshing flavors and crunchy texture, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations.

One summer afternoon, she took me out to her garden to pick some fresh cucumbers. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. It was a perfect day for cooking.

As we harvested the cucumbers, my grandmother began to tell me about a recipe she had learned from a friend who had traveled to Japan. It was a simple yet delicious dish of cucumbers with soy sesame dressing. She had never made it before, but she was excited to try it out with me that day.

Back in the kitchen, we washed and sliced the cucumbers, then mixed up a tangy dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The aroma of the sesame oil filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

We tossed the cucumbers with the dressing, then let them marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, it was time to taste our creation.

I took a bite of the cucumber, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The crispness of the cucumber paired perfectly with the rich umami flavor of the soy sesame dressing. It was a simple dish, yet so incredibly flavorful.

From that day on, cucumbers with soy sesame dressing became a staple in our household. Whenever we had company over, my grandmother would proudly serve up this dish, always receiving compliments on its deliciousness.

As the years went by, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I would sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Each variation was a hit, but the original recipe remained a favorite.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all fell in love with its simplicity and bold flavors. It became a go-to dish for potlucks and picnics, always disappearing quickly from the serving platter.

Even now, as I look back on that sunny summer day in my grandmother's garden, I can still taste the cucumbers with soy sesame dressing on my tongue. It's a memory that brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my past, to honor the traditions and recipes that have been passed down through the generations. And this recipe, with its roots in Japan and its place in my family's kitchen, is a perfect example of how food can bring us together and create lasting memories.

So the next time you're looking for a fresh and flavorful side dish to serve at your table, I urge you to give cucumbers with soy sesame dressing a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sharing this recipe with your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions of your own.