Sunomono is a refreshing and light Japanese salad that is typically made with cucumbers, vinegar, and sugar. It’s a popular side dish to serve with grilled fish or meat, or as part of a bento box.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried wakame
• 1 Japanese cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Rehydrate the wakame:
   Soak the dried wakame in hot water for 5 minutes, or until softened. Drain and rinse well.
2. Slice the cucumber:
   Thinly slice the cucumber into julienne strips.
3. Make the dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Combine the salad:
   In a medium bowl, combine the wakame, cucumber, and dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Garnish and serve:
   Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Tips

• For a more intense wakame flavor, rehydrate the wakame in dashi (Japanese soup stock) instead of hot water.
• If you don’t have Japanese cucumbers, you can use regular cucumbers. However, Japanese cucumbers have a thinner skin and a less bitter flavor, so they are preferred for this dish.
• You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as carrots, bell peppers, or edamame.
• Sunomono can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Health and beauty benefits

Sunomono with cucumber and wakame offers numerous health and beauty benefits. Firstly, cucumber is low in calories and high in water content, helping to cool the body and provide hydration. It also contains vitamin C and potassium, which have antioxidant properties and can reduce swelling. Wakame is rich in minerals and dietary fiber, which improve gut health and aid digestion. Additionally, it contains iodine, which supports thyroid health. Vinegar has antibacterial properties, aids digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This combination of ingredients in sunomono provides comprehensive support for both beauty and health.