Kimi no Shoyu-zuke Cucumber Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
a. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Cut off the ends and slice them into thin rounds.
b. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
c. Add the sliced cucumbers to the mixing bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade.
d. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
e. Before serving, sprinkle chopped scallions on top of the cucumbers.

10 minutes preparation time, 30 minutes to 2 hours refrigeration time.
5. Temperature: None
Serving size: 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 44
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 679mg
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- You can substitute honey or agave nectar for sugar.
- You can use chili oil instead of red pepper flakes.

Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use this marinade for other vegetables such as carrots or radishes.
- Add sliced chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to get even and thin slices of cucumbers.
- Use a glass or ceramic bowl to marinate the cucumbers, as metal can react with the acid in the marinade.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your taste.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover cucumber in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions: None

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cucumbers in a small bowl or on a plate.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro.

Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro.

Pairings:
- This dish pairs well with sushi, teriyaki chicken, or grilled fish.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with steamed rice or a side salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cucumbers are too salty, rinse them under cold water before serving.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the cucumbers thoroughly before slicing them.

Food history:
- Shoyu-zuke is a traditional Japanese method of pickling vegetables in soy sauce.

Flavor profiles:
- This dish is salty, sweet, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a side dish.

Related Categories

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Tangy, Salty, Savory, Refreshing