How To Cut Cucumber For Sushi? A Complete Guide
You don’t need to go any further if you’re wondering how to cut cucumber for sushi.
Why is a Cucumber-Cutting Guide Necessary?
Sushi demands perfection! Cut every veggie precisely for a perfect sushi roll. No doubt, carrots are notoriously tricky to work with. But can you cut cucumber the way it complements the sushi rolls? Cucumber cutting has always been a favorite part of making sushi for most chefs. Sushi chefs have perfected a method of cutting cucumbers passed down from generation to generation. This helps sushi chefs perfect their cucumber-chopping skills. This guide will teach you how to cut cucumber for sushi.
Even though prepping cucumbers for sushi does not require many steps, there are a few things to keep in mind for the best results. Begin by selecting a crisp, fresh cucumber. Second, slice the cucumber into long, thin strips that may be snugly wrapped without breaking. Finally, remove the seeds while chopping the cucumber to keep the sushi rolls together.
Steps
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to cut cucumber for sushi:
- First, thoroughly wash the cucumber. Scrub any dirt or debris away using a vegetable brush.
- Remove the cucumber’s ends and chop it in half lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds from the core of each cucumber half.
- Cut about 1/4-inch-thick, long, thin strips from each cucumber half.
- You can now make sushi rolls with these cucumber slices!
Things You Need
- Nicely Clean Cucumbers
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Instructions
- Before you do anything else, wash the cucumber. Because of the potential for dirt on cucumbers, it is essential to thoroughly wash them before slicing them.
- Trim each of the ends off the cucumber, then cut the cucumber in half lengthwise.
- Cut the cucumber into thin slices, each one being approximately a quarter of an inch thick.
- To ensure that all of the pieces are the same size, use a knife that is very sharp. If they are not, the cooking process will not be uniform.
- After slicing it, the cucumber is now ready to use in sushi.
What Kind of Cucumbers are Used for Sushi
Wide varieties of cucumbers are suitable for use in sushi preparation. It’s up to you and your own preferences and style to decide what you’ll use. However, have a look! The three most sought-after cucumbers for sushi are compiled here.
Also Read: A Mouth-watering Guide to Healthy Gluten-Free Easy Recipes
Japanese Cucumber
Cylindrical, long, and skinny are all characteristics shared by Japanese cucumbers. Because they lack the developed seeds and harsh flavor of other cucumbers, Japanese cucumbers make great additions to sushi rolls.
The Japanese like them because they are tasty and convenient. In addition, Japanese cucumbers are around the same size as their Persian and English counterparts.
English Cucumber
The seedless cucumber, hothouse cucumber, or European cucumber are all names for the English Cucumber. English cucumbers might be found at stores and marketplaces, often sold in sturdy plastic packaging.
In addition to being mild and almost seedless, this cucumber also has very tender skin. So, it’s safe to say that English cucumbers are the standard ingredient in sushi. Furthermore, English may be simply trimmed to a size that’s almost identical to a sheet of nori.
Persia Cucumber
Persian cucumbers are substantially smaller than their English and Japanese counterparts. Additionally, they have thinner skin, a smoother appearance, and fewer seeds.
You’ll find that they’re smaller than average, with a mellow flavor and a crisp inside, if you bite into one. What if you want to make sushi but can’t locate any Japanese or English cucumbers? If that’s the case, Persian cucumber is a great backup option.
Step By Step Guide on How to Cut Cucumbers for Sushi
To cut cucumber for sushi in a simple and efficient manner, follow these steps:
Peel the cucumber
Before slicing the cucumber, you should get some water and moisten the knife. The amount of time spent cutting the cucumber in half might be reduced with this method. With some oil on the blade, you can easily slice through the cucumber without it becoming stuck. Now that it’s out of the way, you can go on to the next step and peel the cucumber. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a vegetable peeler to create long strips.
While this method may be useful, it is seldom ever required. The cucumber peel and skin are also edible. This choice is entirely up to you.

Cut the Cucumber in half
Make a clean cut along the middle of the cucumber after peeling it to divide it in half. While peeling the cucumber with your other hand, hold it in place with one hand.
Keep in mind that the best way to do this is with a long, continuous rotational motion. The cucumber should be split in half as evenly as you can. After that, gently scrape out the cucumber’s seeds using a spoon.
Split cucumber in splits
Let’s imagine you’re holding a cucumber cut in half. Carefully and methodically remove the core from the cucumber using a sharp knife.
Despite how unconnected it may seem, removing the core is necessary before you can divide the cucumber into sticks. Having cucumber sticks won’t be difficult if you can remove the core uniformly.
Different Ways to Cut a Cucumber
There are various ways to cut cucumber for sushi rolls, as we may discover by visiting one of the millions of sushi restaurants spread out over the globe. The basic Julienne technique is the most commonly used. The Julienne cut is the half-roll or medium-sized cut.
Cucumbers may also be cut in a thick and long bonnet pattern. The Fine Julienne is the last choice. Fine Julienne is a typical Japanese type with smaller, thinner slices.
Tips
Knowing how to properly chop a cucumber for sushi is essential if you’re among sushi lovers and plan on cooking sushi at home. Some advice is as follows:
- Make sure your cucumber strips are as broad as your sushi rice and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Leave the skin on when using an English cucumber. You may wish to remove the peel from a standard cucumber.
- Cut everything out using a knife that’s razor-sharp. Because cutting uniform cucumber strips using a dull knife will be more challenging.
- Remove the cucumber’s ends and then slice it lengthwise.
Bottom Line
The easiest way to prepare cucumber for sushi is to slice it very thinly using a sharp knife. If you have a slicer, you may use it instead. To make room for the cucumber on top of your sushi roll, just chop it in half lengthwise. What do we have, then? Get ready to roll some sushi!