Smashed Cucumber Salad

Name: Smashed Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers); 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp); 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 2 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced

Rustic smashed cucumbers marinated in a bold Chinese dressing of garlic, chili oil, rice vinegar, and sesame for a refreshing salad with craggy edges that soak up every drop of flavor.

15 minEasyServes 470 cal/serving

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

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Ingredients

2 English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
1 tsp kosher salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp)
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp granulated sugar
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
2 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced

Instructions

1

Place each of the 2 English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers) on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a heavy knife or a rolling pin, smash firmly until the skin cracks and the cucumber splits open. Tear and cut into rough 1-2 inch pieces.
2

Transfer smashed cucumber pieces to a colander set over a bowl. Toss with 1 tsp kosher salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
3

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

Add the dried cucumber pieces and 2 thinly sliced green onion (scallion) to the dressing. Toss well to coat.
5

Sprinkle with 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately, or chill for up to 15 minutes for deeper flavor.

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Questions

Why pat it dry first in Smashed Cucumber Salad?

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.

Is there a substitute for rice vinegar in Smashed Cucumber Salad?

The entry for Smashed Cucumber Salad calls for 2 tbsp 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.

Can I make Smashed Cucumber Salad gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Smashed Cucumber Salad is 2 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Smashed Cucumber Salad 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 long does Smashed Cucumber Salad keep?

The base of Smashed Cucumber Salad is rice vinegar, which holds up: it keeps three to four days refrigerated and tastes better after a few hours, once the dressing has soaked in. Hold back a spoonful of dressing to freshen it before serving. Add the sesame seeds at the table so it stays crisp. It does not freeze.

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