Smashed Cucumber Salad
Scale:

Ingredients

cucumber
1 large —English cucumber
1 tsp —kosher salt
1⁄2 tsp —granulated sugar
dressing
2 cloves —garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp —seasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp —soy sauce
1⁄2 tsp —sesame oil
1 pinch —red pepper flakes
garnish
1 tbsp —toasted sesame seeds

Method

Prep

  • Put a colander in a mixing bowl
  • optional: Wrap 1 large cucumber with plastic to contain the possible mess if you smash too hard
  • Smash the cucumber using a meat tenderizer on a cutting board
  • Cut into bite-sized (1 1⁄2″) pieces
  • Toss the cucumber in the colander with 1 tsp salt and 1⁄2 tsp sugar to macerate
  • Refrigerate for 1⁄2–2 hours
  • Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1⁄2 tsp sesame oil, and 1 pinch red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl

Assemble salad

  • When ready to serve, toss the cucumber in the dressing
  • Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Notes

Minced fresh ginger is amazing in this too.

References