Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic

Name: Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 medium English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers); 1 tsp kosher salt; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp); 1 tsp granulated sugar; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Crisp cucumbers are smashed to create jagged edges that absorb a bold garlic, black vinegar, and chili oil dressing in this refreshing cold appetizer or side.

10 minEasyServes 470 cal/serving

ChineseSaladNo-CookVeganLow CarbDairy-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 medium English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
1 tsp kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp)
1 tsp granulated sugar
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1

Place 2 medium English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers) on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin, smash each cucumber until it cracks and splits. Cut into rough 1-inch pieces.
2

Transfer cucumber pieces to a colander. Toss with 1 tsp kosher salt and let drain in the sink for 5-10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
3

In a large bowl, whisk together 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp), and 1 tsp granulated sugar.
4

Add the drained cucumbers to the bowl and toss well to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5

Transfer to a serving plate and top with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

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Questions

Why pat it dry first in Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic?

Step 2 reads: "Pat dry with paper towels." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 2 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar in Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic?

The entry for Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic calls for 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar). In its place: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, softened with a pinch of sugar, is close. Avoid plain distilled vinegar at full strength, which is much sharper.

Is Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic low-carb?

A serving of Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic carries 3 g of carbohydrate. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 15 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 3 percent.

Does Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic contain sesame?

Yes: 2 tsp toasted sesame oil and 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, soy and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 70 calories, with 0 g protein, 3 g carbohydrate and 7 g fat, plus 233 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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