Name: Thai-Inspired Sunomono with Jalapeno, Cilantro, and Basil
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1/3 cup rice vinegar, plus more to taste; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus more to taste; 1 tablespoon white sugar, plus more to taste; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, plus more to taste; 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass, plus more to taste; 2 teaspoons soy sauce, plus more to taste; 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1-2 jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (depending on desired heat); 1/2 bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped, plus more for garnish; 2 sprigs fresh basil, coarsely chopped, plus more for garnish; Optional garnishes: Chopped nuts (peanuts or cashews), sesame seeds, sliced red chile peppers, furikake

A vibrant and refreshing cucumber salad, infused with Thai-inspired flavors and a touch of heat. This Sunomono is a delightful dance of sweet, sour, and spicy, perfect as a light appetizer or a palate cleanser.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

5 mins

In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, lemongrass, and soy sauce until sugar is dissolved. (5 minutes)

02

Step

2 mins

Add the sliced cucumbers, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, and basil to the bowl. (2 minutes)

03

Step

1 mins

Gently toss all ingredients to ensure the cucumbers are well coated with the dressing. (1 minute)

04

Step

30 mins

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes. (30+ minutes)

05

Step

2 mins

Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, or soy sauce to your preference. (2 minutes)

06

Step

1 mins

Garnish with chopped nuts, sesame seeds, sliced red chile peppers, or furikake, if desired. (1 minute)

For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno pepper before slicing.
If you don't have fresh lemongrass, you can use lemongrass paste, but fresh is always better.
Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your rice vinegar.
This salad is best served chilled.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Gillian Harvey

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.8/ 5 ( 6 Ratings)

Total Reviews: (5)

Garry Okeefe
May 23, 2025
I added some toasted peanuts and it was a game changer!
Alaina Nader
May 23, 2025
This recipe is so refreshing! I love the kick from the jalapeno.
Keshaun Howe
May 23, 2025
Easy to make and a great way to use up cucumbers from my garden.
Hollie Stroman
May 19, 2025
The lemongrass really makes this dish special.
Maida Schulistpagac
Apr 25, 2025
I made this for a party and everyone raved about it!

Thai-Inspired Sunomono with Jalapeno, Cilantro, and Basil

Ingridients

Nutrition

Follow The Directions

01

02

03

04

05

06

Gillian Harvey

Written by

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RECIPE REVIEWS

Garry Okeefe

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Hollie Stroman

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