Japanese Smashed Cucumber with Umeboshi

Name: Japanese Smashed Cucumber with Umeboshi
Total time: 300 s
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cucumbers (about 250g); 2 umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums, preferably low-salt); ★1 tsp sesame oil; ★1 tsp sugar; ★1 tsp soy sauce; ★1/2 tsp dashi powder (or liquid dashi); 1 pinch salt (for salting the cucumber)

Yuki Ohtani @yuki_japanesefood

California, USA

This refreshing side dish combines crisp smashed cucumbers with the tangy punch of umeboshi. The natural sourness of pickled plums not only adds depth of flavor but also awakens your taste buds and lifts your spirits. A perfect, energizing bite on warm days or when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Yuki Ohtani @yuki_japanesefood

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Ingredients

Prep 5 min

2cucumbers (about 250g)
2umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums, preferably low-salt)
★1 tsp sesame oil
★1 tsp sugar
★1 tsp soy sauce
★1/2 tsp dashi powder (or liquid dashi)
1 pinchsalt (for salting the cucumber)

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Steps

Prep 5 min

1

Lightly smash the cucumbers with a rolling pin or the side of a knife, then break or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
2

Pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel to remove the released water.
3

Remove the pits from the umeboshi and finely chop or mash the flesh into a paste using a knife.
4

In a bowl or jar, mix the smashed cucumbers, mashed umeboshi, ★(sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, and dashi). Stir well to coat evenly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. The flavor deepens and improves if left overnight.

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Yuki Ohtani @yuki_japanesefood

on May 22, 2025 05:33

California, USA

Hi, I'm a Japanese mom in the US and raising two kids (7&5)🇯🇵🇺🇸 Authentic Japanese Home-cooked recipes ❤️Dinner always comes around fast between school, activities, and daily chaos. Cooking isn’t my favorite, but you know I have to do it. I focus on meals that are easy, healthy, and delicious. I believe in the power of simple, consistent meals—eating healthy only makes a difference if it’s doable daily. For other busy moms, I’m sharing easy Japanese recipes that fit right into our American family life 🫶❤️Instagrum@yuki_ohtani_Tiktok@