Smashed Cucumber Salad
Have you ever experienced that burning anger when you feel like you're about to explode? Well, I have a good suggestion for you: smash some cucumbers! Yes, you heard me right, just smash some cucumbers! Smashed cucumber salad is both a stress-relieving and delicious dish. Imagine placing a cucumber on a cutting board, then picking up a kitchen knife and releasing your anger by smashing it to pieces. Smashed cucumber is not only a way to release emotions, but it is also an extremely tasty dish. After being smashed, the cucumber is more able to absorb the flavor of seasoning, which makes it even more delicious and enjoyable.
Servings: 2 yield(s)
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Ingredients
  • 4 Persian cucumbers
  • 1 tsp (6g) salt
  • 2 tsp (6g) toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 small handful of cilantro leaves
    • Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Lao Gan Ma chili oil with black bean
  • 1 tsp (4g) sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
  1. Wash the Persian cucumbers and pat them dry. Cut off the ends of the Persian cucumbers.
  2. Place the Persian cucumbers on a cutting board and trim off the ends. Lightly smash the Persian cucumbers with a knife blade until they crack open. Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix together the salt and the cucumber pieces. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out some of the water from the Persian cucumbers . Drain off the water and discard.
  3. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside.
  4. Add the sauce to the Persian cucumbers and toss to coat.
  5. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves.
Recipe Notes

In this dish, I use Persian cucumbers instead of English cucumbers as they are more tender and juicy.