Sunomono: learn 8 recipes for this light and refreshing salad

Anyone who frequents Japanese restaurants must have come across this delight. For those who have never heard of it, sunomono consists of a cucumber salad and sweet and sour sauce that sometimes has other ingredients, such as raw fish or kani. The literal translation of sunomono is “vinegar food” and the dish is healthy and very tasty.

Considered a salad, this recipe originated from Japan is served as a complement to main dishes. Want to take that oriental taste to your meals? So check out a selection of options that are very easy to prepare below:

1. Simple Sunomono

In addition to being a great choice to accompany a lunch, this recipe lasts a long time in the fridge. The ingredient list includes Japanese cucumbers, salt, sugar, water, white vinegar and toasted sesame seeds. Check out the full recipe here.

2. Sunomono with black pepper

The technique of preparing this salad here is no mystery. The secret of the unique flavor is in the sauce, which consists of a combination of vinegar and sugar. The final touch of sesame is the charm of the dish. It’s worth checking out the recipe details.

3. Sunomono with Green Bean Noodles

In addition to cucumber, salt and vinegar, this recipe uses harusame, which is a green bean noodle, and black sesame seeds. Cucumbers should be finely chopped and left to dry with salt in a sieve. Take a look at the step-by-step preparation.

4. Sunomono with beef

Light and refreshing, the different ingredient in this salad is bifum, gluten-free rice-based pasta. You can also add pieces of tofu, peppers, broccoli and even peanuts. See how to do it.

5. Sunomono with Kani

The kani, an ingredient that is easy to find in supermarkets and specialty stores, is what makes the difference in this salad. To get very thin, the tip is to cut the cucumber with a vegetable slicer. Check out the full list of ingredients and how to make it here.

6. Sunomono with carrots

This option must be prepared the day before the day you intend to serve it, as it must be kept in the fridge for at least 12 hours. Cucumber and carrot preserves use rice vinegar, sugar and salt. You can replace the sugar with a culinary sweetener if you prefer. Learn it.

7. Sunomono with soy sauce

If you want a less acidic recipe, start with six tablespoons of rice vinegar and add more to your taste. Slice the cucumber very thin, mix with the salt and leave it for 5 minutes. Then drain and squeeze well. Check the next steps here.

8. Sugar-free Sunomono

Unlike the traditional option, made with rice vinegar, this sunomono was made with apple cider vinegar. In addition, the salt was replaced by two tablespoons of soy sauce. This version is practical, bittersweet and can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Check step by step.

Preparing the cucumber base and sauce, the rest is up to you. It is worth experimenting with other vegetables and even fish, such as salmon or tuna. Create your salad and enjoy!