Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Grace · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (1)
Jump to:
  • What Ingredients Do You Need To Make Japanese Pickled Cucumber?
  • The Method To Make Japanese Pickled Cucumber
  • FAQ
  • 1,000 Foods To Eat Project
  • Some Other Japanese Foods You May Be Interested In!
  • Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!
  • Japanese Pickled Cucumber

I confess I know very little about Japanese food, but I am determined to change that! My sister is Japanese, and I really hope that I can learn how to cook a great Japanese meal for her one day.

Therefore, I’m starting with a very basic recipe, the Japanese pickled cucumber. Otherwise known as tsukemono, Japanese pickles are a mainstay of Japanese meals. Asazuke are lightly seasoned quick pickles, which is what our recipe is for. I’m having quite a lot of fun trying to pronounce these words. 🙂

Serve tsukemono with with rice, as a snack, side dish, or garnish, as typically done in Japan. This cucumber asazuke is a very quick and simple preparation. I originally made this to go into a poke bowl (click here for the recipe). This pickle is very light and refreshing, and a perfect and easy recipe to start with in my quest to learn about Japanese cooking and cuisine.

What Ingredients Do You Need To Make Japanese Pickled Cucumber?

All you will need for this dish is the following:

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (2)

Japanese cucumbers, called kyuri, are the ideal cucumber for this recipe. They are perfect for pickling and have the most satisfying crunch! Look for them at your local Asian market.

However, you can substitute Persian or English cucumbers if you aren't able to obtain Japanese cucumbers.

I have linked to Amazon for some of these items for convenience for anyone wishing to order from Amazon.

The Method To Make Japanese Pickled Cucumber

It couldn't be simpler to make this popular and delicious asazuke!

Thinly slice the cucumber, then sprinkle with some Kosher salt and leave for 30 minutes in a colander.

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (3)

After that, rinse and gently squeeze out the water and pat dry with paper towels. Then add the cucumber to the prepared marinade.

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (4)

Allow the cucumber to marinate overnight if possible. If not, try to allow a few hours for the flavors to meld together.

The finishing touch is to add some sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This tsukemono is soooo good! You will absolutely love it!

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (5)

Above all, I hope you'll give this Japanese Pickled Cucumber a try!!

FAQ

Is Japanese cucumber good for pickling?

Japanese cucumber, called kyuri, are perfect for pickling! They have a thin and tender skin. In addition, they have the most perfect satisfying crunch!

What are Japanese pickled cucumbers called?

Otherwise known as tsukemono, Japanese pickles are a mainstay of Japanese meals. Asazuke are lightly seasoned quick pickles, which is what this recipe is for.

Do I need to peel Japanese cucumber?

You do not need to peel Japanese cucumbers. The skin is thin and tender and great for enjoying!

1,000 Foods To Eat Project

I am working my way through the foods that are listed in the book1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Dieby Mimi Sheraton. This is called my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project. Japanese Cucumber, or kyuri, is food #65 in my project.

In this book, the author Mimi Sheraton lists her choice for the 1,000 Foods of the World that youMUSTtry. So if you haven't tried kyuri, you'll definitely want to put it on your foodie list! And this recipe is a great way to enjoy kyuri!

I first got to try them on a trip to Japan. Here are pictures of kyuri in the market, and prepared with other pickled vegetables.

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (6)
Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (7)

Please check out my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project page for some awesome food inspo!

Some Other Japanese Foods You May Be Interested In!

Yuzu - 1,000 Foods To Eat Project

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (8)

Delicious Japanese Pork Katsudon and Rice Bowl

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (9)

Okinawan Carrots

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (10)

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

Japanese Pickled Cucumber

Grace Stewart

This light and refreshing Japanese Pickled Cucumber is the perfect accompaniment to rice and your favorite Japanese dish. It also makes a great addition to a poke bowl!

5 from 1 vote

Print RecipePin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 3 servings

Calories 39 kcal

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt for sprinkling
  • 1 large English cucumber or seedless cucumber very thinly sliced; if you are using cucumbers on the small side, then use 2 cucumbers for this recipe
  • ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1 ts sugar
  • ½ ts salt
  • 1 ts sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion sliced

Instructions

  • Very thinly slice the cucumber(s)

    Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (12)

  • Sprinkle salt on the thin slices of English cucumber. Leave these in a colander to drain for approximately 20 -30 minutes

    Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (13)

  • Rinse the cucumber slices with water and drain. Gently squeeze out excess water and pat dry with a paper towel.

  • Place the cucumber in a bowl, and add the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and soy sauce. Mix well.

    Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (14)

  • Best to cover and leave to marinate in your refrigerator for a few hours so the flavors can meld.However, you can eat after marinating for 30 minutes if you just can't wait. 🙂

  • When ready to serve, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions.

    Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (15)

Notes

This quick and easy pickle does taste better after marinating overnight however you can serve after marinating for 30 minutes if you just can't wait!!!

If you are watching your salt, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce and salt (for the marinade) called for in the recipe.

Serve this delicious pickle with rice, and alongside your favorite Japanese dish, or add to a poke bowl. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 724mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Tsukemono (Japanese Pickle)

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber Recipe - Explore Cook Eat (2024)

FAQs

Are Japanese pickled cucumbers good for you? ›

It depends on the base ingredients of course, but fermented and pickled foods are generally high in many vitamins and minerals and excellent for your gut health. Many Japanese pickled products are less “pickle”-ish than their Western counterparts, so are often brighter and fresher tasting.

Can Japanese cucumber be eaten raw? ›

The texture of the seeds is minimal, so Japanese Cucumbers are considered seedless. It's also on the drier side compared to other cucumbers that can be very watery. This cucumber is used in a wide variety of delicious Japanese dishes and it's usually eaten raw.

Can you eat raw pickled cucumbers? ›

It is generally safe to eat raw fermented pickles, as long as they have been properly prepared and stored. Raw fermented pickles are made by soaking cucumbers in a brine solution that contains salt and sometimes other seasonings.

How long does a cucumber have to sit in vinegar to become a pickle? ›

Begin sampling the cucumbers after 4 hours if you've quartered them, 8 hours if you've halved them. In either case, it will probably take from 12 to 24 or even 48 hours for them to taste pickled enough to suit your taste.

Can you eat too many pickled cucumbers? ›

As a result, eating too many pickles may be risky for anyone with liver disease or kidney conditions. Diets high in sodium may increase your risk of gastric cancer. High salt intake may damage your stomach directly, leading to cancer, or it may lead to infections and ulcers that eventually become cancerous.

Are pickled cucumbers anti inflammatory? ›

Fights inflammation: The antioxidants in pickles can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic diseases.

Why are my Japanese cucumbers bitter? ›

Usually, cucurbitacin stays in the stem and leaves, but it can work its way into the fruit, causing bitter cucumbers. Cucumbers tend to grow bitter when the plant is under stress from inconsistent water, fluctuating temperatures or poor soil. The higher the level of the compound, the more bitter the fruit.

Does cucumber reduce belly fat? ›

Cucumbers are rich in nutrients that can help with weight loss. It is rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and other beneficial compounds that support a healthy lifestyle. So not only can cucumber help reduce belly fat, but it can also provide additional health benefits.

How long can Japanese cucumber last in the fridge? ›

The best way to keep cucumbers fresh is to store cucumbers in the refrigerator. For optimal taste and freshness, consume the cucumbers within seven to ten days of purchasing them from a grocery store or farmers' market.

Why are my pickled cucumbers not crunchy? ›

Crispness can also be lost if cucumbers are stored longer than 24 hours in the refrigerator from harvest to pickling. Thoroughly wash each cucumber, especially around the stem area, where soil can be trapped. Any remaining soil may be a source of bacteria and can cause a soft pickle.

Can you eat too many raw cucumbers? ›

Because cucumber is so low in calories, it's hard to eat too much when it comes to weight management. However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach pain or distress.

Is pickles really cucumbers soaked in vinegar? ›

A pickled cucumber – commonly known as a pickle in the United States and Canada and traditionally a gherkin (/ɡərkɪn/) in Britain, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand – is a usually small or miniature cucumber that has been pickled in a brine, vinegar, or other solution and left to ferment.

Can bacteria grow in vinegar in pickles? ›

Use of oil and vinegar prevents spoilage of pickles because bacteria cannot live in such an environment.

Should I soak my cucumbers in salt water before pickling? ›

The next step is to make a saltwater solution and soak your cucumbers for a minimum of 12 hours (up to 7 days). The beauty of soaking your cucumbers is that you don't need to be ready to make pickles right when you pick your cucumbers (or bring them home from the market).

Why do you soak cucumbers in ice water before pickling? ›

For a quick and easy way to help ensure crisp pickles: soak cucumbers in ice water for 4 to 5 hours before pickling. This is a safer method for making crisp pickles. Using lime, or calcium hydroxide, in solution for soaking cucumbers changes the amount of acid in the cucumber tissue.

Are Japanese pickled vegetables healthy? ›

Tsukemono uses an age-old preservation process that can take many forms and they're known to provide numerous health benefits such as vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. Tsukemono is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and a healthy diet wouldn't be the same without them.

What is the difference between Japanese cucumbers and regular cucumbers? ›

The Japanese cucumber is slender and thin-skinned than standard cucumber varieties. They are crisp, crunchy, and succulent with bright, melon-like flavors. Have you tried Japanese cucumbers? Called Kyuri (胡瓜・きゅうり) in Japanese, these crunchy cucumbers have forest green skin with long and slender bodies.

What are the benefits of pickled cucumbers? ›

1. Pickled cucumber maintains the balance of beneficial bacteria that help in promoting a healthy digestive system, in addition to reducing the damage that results from the constant use of antibiotics. 2.It works to relieve stomach ulcer pain by treating the problem of increased production of stomach acids.

What is the healthiest pickled vegetable? ›

Pickled beets are a staple across many Eastern European countries, where they're served in salads or as a side dish, but they're also particularly popular in the US. They can be fermented or quick-pickled with vinegar, and they're a great source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and B vitamins.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 6678

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.