Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

5 from 1 vote

The smashed cucumber recipe is light, easy to make, and fullof flavors. It is a perfect dish to make in summer and contains deliciousflavors. This salad has an ideal dressing containing garlic, cilantro, andchili flakes. It would help if you made it, and you can enjoy this salad as aside dish along with many main courses.

Course Salad

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Author Muhammad Kashif

Servings people

Calories 71kcal

Ingredients

2 lb cucumber
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1½ tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp grapeseed or olive oil
2 tsp toasted with sesame seed for garnishing
2 large garlic cloves
2 Green chilis
2 tbsp sesame oil
Red pepper flakes, according to taste

Instructions

After choosing the right type of cucumber, the next step is to wash them properly and remove any dirt or debris from the cucumber.
Cut the cucumber into pieces of approximately 4 inches and then cut each piece of cucumber into half-length.
Place the cucumber on the cutting board and cut them from the side down. Place the knife blade over one of the cucumbers and smash down with your palm onto the knife.
The skin will start to crack, seeds will come out, and flesh will break down. Repeat this step until the whole cucumber breaks down diagonally into pieces and the grains separate.
Now, place the pieces of cucumber into a strainer and toss some kosher salt and sugar on the cucumber. Cover the filter tightly and place the strainer over a bowl.
Let the strainer drain all the water completely for 15 to 30 minutes. It will also give some time for the cucumber to absorb the flavors of salt and sugar into it completely.
You can add the bowl to a refrigerator and wait for 4 hours before you serve the dish.
It’s time to make the dressing for the salad; take a small bowl, add sugar, salt, and vinegar, and mix well until all the sugar and salt get mixed.
Now, add sesame oil and some soy sauce. Mix the whole mixture thoroughly.
Take the cucumbers out of the fridge, shake them off finely to remove the extra water, and then transfer them into the serving bowl. Add some olive oil and keep tossing the whole mixture.
Mix half the dressing in the serving bowl and keep tossing and mixing. Also, add the garlic and red pepper flakes.
Keep adding all the dressing and ensure the cucumber is well-coated with sauce. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if required.
Serve the salad immediately and garnish with some cilantro and sesame seeds.

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