Hello, this is Bridge to JAPAN.
This time, I would like to introduce you to one of the most popular izakaya staples.
I’d like to introduce a simple salad recipe using cucumbers, a staple of Izakaya. I can’t stop eating these addictive cucumbers on hot summer days.
The spicy soy sauce sauce goes perfectly with the cucumbers, and it’s easy to make at home, so please give it a try!

BACK GROUND
- ”Yamitsuki” means be so addicted that you can’t stop eating.
- ”Kyuri” means Cucumber in English
- Yamitsuki Kyuri is also a staple of izakaya (Japanese style pub) menus and is a great summer food.
Episode In JAPAN

When I was a little boy, I used to bite into chilled cucumbers when it was hot in the summer, but my mother used to make this addictive cucumber salad that was easy to make.
Once I had it, I couldn’t stop eating it. It is a simple taste, but one that is deeply ingrained in my brain. As an adult, when I go to an izakaya (Japanese pub) with my friends, I still miss this taste and sometimes order it. The fresher the cucumber, the tastier it is, and the better the flavor of the ingredients, and it is one of the most popular Japanese dishes.
The Key Item

I think the key ingredient is not only the fresh cucumbers, but also the sesame oil. You only need a small amount, but the appetite is completely different without the sesame oil!
The savory sesame flavor makes your appetite even stronger. That’s why I can’t stop! It’s addictive! Such is the magic of sesame oil.
How to make Yamitsuki Kyuri
Yamitsuki Kyuri やみつききゅうり
Course: Appetizers, SideCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes30
minutes21
kcal35
minutesSimple recipe for pickled cucumber
Ingredients
1 Cucumber
0.5 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Fish stock(Fish powder)
1 Tsp Soy sauce
1.5 Tsp Sesame oil Some Sesame seeds
Directions
- Cut the cucumber into pieces.
Prepare a plastic bag and place everything in the bag. - Add salt, soy sauce, sesame oil and fish stock into the bag.
Shake well.
Place in the refrigerator and marinate for 30 minutes. - **Serving**
- Remove from the bag, place on a plate, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- It’s done!