Refreshing Japanese-Style Cucumber Salad with Tomato and Tofu
A Simple and Healthy Japanese-Style Cucumber Salad Recipe with Tomatoes and Tofu
When your appetite is low, this is the perfect dish! Enjoy a fresh take on Japanese-style cucumber salad, enhanced with juicy tomatoes and creamy tofu. This simple yet nutritious recipe is ideal for a healthy meal or a vegan diet. The harmonious blend of refreshing flavors, crisp textures, and soft tofu makes it a satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 fresh cucumber
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1/2 block silken tofu
Refreshing Dressing- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
For Salting Cucumbers- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
For Salting Cucumbers- 1 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it into half-moon shapes. For the best crisp texture, ensure the slices are slightly thick.
Step 2
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the sliced cucumbers and mix well. Let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, making them crisper. After salting, squeeze out any excess water firmly with your hands.
Step 3
Wash the tomato, remove the stem, cut it in half, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces. For the tofu, microwave it for 1-2 minutes to warm it slightly. Drain any excess water and then gently mash it with a fork or your hands until smooth. (If you don’t have a microwave, you can briefly blanch it in boiling water.)
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dressing. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Whisk them together until well combined. The balance of sweetness, acidity, and nuttiness is key.
Step 5
In a larger bowl, combine the squeezed cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, and mashed tofu. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients. Gently toss everything together until well mixed, and your refreshing cucumber salad is ready. It’s truly that simple!
Step 6
Serve your finished cucumber salad on a nice plate. Its vibrant colors are visually appealing. Enjoy the delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, soft tofu, and fresh tomatoes, offering a wonderful texture and taste experience. It’s a perfect healthy vegan dish that satisfies both health and flavor!
