Smashed Cucumber Salad
Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 38kcal
Ingredients
- 1 seedless cucumber
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/4 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili oil optional
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Handful of chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Set the cucumber on a cutting board. Press a large knife flat against the cucumber and press down firmly with your free hand. The cucumber should crack open and smash into four sections. You may need to repeat this along the length of the cucumber. Once the whole cucumber is completely open (usually in 4 long sections), cut it at a 45-degree angle into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cucumber with the prepared dressing and chili oil, if using. Toss to coat. Serve, garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Video
Notes
- Use the side of a knife or a rolling pin to lightly smash the cucumbers before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. This technique creates more surface area for the dressing to adhere to and helps the cucumbers absorb more flavor.
- Allow the smashed cucumbers to sit in the dressing for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief marination period enhances the flavor and ensures the cucumbers are well-seasoned.
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or adding a touch of sriracha to the dressing. This allows you to tailor the salad to your taste preferences or the preferences of your guests.
Nutrition
Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 360mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.3mg