Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

Cucumber

  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 tsp granulated sugar

Dressing

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1⁄2 tsp sesame oil
  • red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • toasted sesame seeds

Method

Prep

  • Put a colander in a mixing bowl
  • optional: Wrap the cucumber with plastic to contain the possible mess if you smash too hard
  • Smash the cucumber using a meat tenderizer on a cutting board
  • Cut into bite-sized (1 1⁄2″) pieces
  • Toss the cucumber in the colander with salt and sugar to macerate
  • Refrigerate for 1⁄2–2 hours
  • Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl

Assemble salad

  • When ready to serve, toss the cucumber in the dressing
  • Garnish with sesame seeds

Notes

Minced fresh ginger is amazing in this too.

References