Ingredients
Cucumbers: 2 lb
Mirin: 2.5 cups
Rice vinegar: 2.5 cups
Sugar: 1/2 cup
Salt: 2% (by weight of cucumbers)
Mighty Sesame tahini (or brand of choice): 1/2 cup
Pura Macha salsa macha (or brand of choice): 4 tbsp
Looking for a gut-healthy starter bursting with rich umami notes? Grá’s Pickled Cucumber Salad is acidic, savory, and beautifully balanced by nutty tahini and spicy salsa macha. It’s light, tangy, and packs a powerful crunch—perfect as a vibrant first course or a side dish for heavier mains.
How to make Grá’s Pickled Cucumber Salad
01.
Prepare the Cucumbers
- Cut the cucumbers into small pieces.
- Weigh them and calculate 2% of that weight in salt.
- Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for at least 2 hours to draw out excess liquid.
- Drain off the liquid and set the cucumbers aside.
02.
Make the Pickling Liquid
- Pour the mirin into a pot and bring to a boil.
- Allow it to boil until all of the alcohol has evaporated.
- Add the rice vinegar and sugar.
- Return to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
03.
Pickle the Cucumbers
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the drained cucumbers.
- Let them cool to room temperature.
04.
Assemble the Salad
- Spread tahini onto a serving plate.
- Top with the pickled cucumbers.
- Drizzle salsa macha over the cucumbers and serve immediately.
Read More
Stay in the know
Join our newsletter to keep up with what’s new.
Stay in the know
Join our newsletter to keep up with what’s new.
Stay in the know
Join our newsletter to keep up with what’s new.