Sunomono Salad

 

This was the version of Sunomono Salad that my son Stephen made to go with the Miso Glazed Cod in the previous post. The big surprise for me was that he added Mirin to the dressing and it was so good!  I think the key to this salad is slicing the Cucumbers really thin so they get thoroughly saturated with the dressing. And the Wake retains a bit of a rubbery crunch while the Sesame Seeds add even more. I love this version of Sunomono and will be making it a tot more!

Sunomono Salad 

 

1 large Hot House Cucumber or 3 or 4 small Persian Cucumbers

1/4 teaspoon Salt

2 Tablespoons Seasoned Rice Vinegar

1 teaspoon Lemon Juice 

1 teaspoon Tamari

1Tablespoon Mirin

2 teaspoons Sesame Seeds

1 Tablespoon dried Wakame Seawood

 

Place the Wakame in a bowl and cover with water and let soak until rehydrated – about 10 minutes. Drain and add to a salad bowl.

 

Slice the Cucumber in half and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon (you can skip this step if you like round slices). Then using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the Cucumber into very thin slices. Add to the salad bowl and sprinkle with Salt and toss to coat. 

 

In a small mixing bowl, stir together the Rice Vinegar, Ponzu Sauce (or Lemon and Tamari) and Mirin. Stir to combine and pour over the Cucumber and Wakame. Toss to coat and let marinate at room temperature. When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to scoop into individual bowls and sprinkle them all with the Sesame Seeds.

Five Element Analysis

Cucumbers belong to the Earth Element but they have a bit of Wood too, since they are green.  The Lemon and Vinegar bring in even more of the Wood Element. The Wakame and Sesame Seeds contribute the Water Element and the Mirin adds some Fire too. Only the Metal Element is missing, but since Rice sas one of the side dishes in the meal, it completed the balance of elements.