How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

Refreshing and light, smashed cucumber salad is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. The key to this dish is smashing the cucumbers before dressing them, which allows the cucumbers to absorb the flavors of the dressing while maintaining a crispy texture. This salad is a perfect side dish for a variety of main courses, and its simplicity makes it a great addition to any meal.

The star of this dish is the cucumber, which is both crunchy and juicy, providing a refreshing contrast to the bo...

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Ingredients

  • 2 English cucumbers
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely crushed
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • red pepper flakes to taste
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Wrap each cucumber in plastic wrap to minimize splattering. Place on a work surface and pound with a flat object (like a meat pounder) until cucumbers crack and are slightly flattened. Remove from plastic. Cut cucumbers in half; halve each side lengthwise. Slice into 1- to 1 1/2 -inch wide slices. Transfer to a strainer set over a bowl.
  • Sprinkle cucumber with salt and sugar; mix until well combined. Refrigerate the bowl and strainer for 30 to 60 minutes so cucumber pieces can drain into the bowl.
  • Place garlic, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl; whisk together thoroughly.
  • Transfer drained cucumbers into the bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
  • Place cucumbers in a serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Nutrition

    29 cal.

    • Total Fat: 1g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 530mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 4g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 5mg
    • Calcium: 13mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 21mg