Discover the joy of making a super crunchy and refreshing smashed cucumber salad. This fun method brings out the best flavors and textures in cucumbers, making it a hit at any meal!
What You Need:
- 1 large English cucumber (or 2-3 smaller ones)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar (rice vinegar works great)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- A small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- A dash of chili flakes or chili oil for some heat (optional)
Let’s Make It:
- Smash the Cucumber:
- First, wash the cucumber well. Then, lay it on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin, gently smash the cucumber until it cracks open. This helps the cucumber absorb all the tasty dressing you’re going to make. After smashing, cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Salt It:
- Put the cucumber pieces in a bowl and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them. Mix it up and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The salt helps draw out some water from the cucumbers, making them even crunchier.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This is your salad dressing.
- Mix It All Together:
- After the cucumbers have sat with the salt, drain any water that’s come out. Then, pour the dressing over the cucumbers. Add the chopped cilantro if you’re using it, and give everything a good mix.
- Add the Final Touches:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad. If you like things spicy, add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Your crunchy smashed cucumber salad is ready to eat! It’s best enjoyed fresh, so all the flavors and textures are at their peak.
This salad is a fantastic side dish that brings a burst of freshness and a bit of zing to any meal. Plus, smashing the cucumbers is a fun kitchen activity that even the kids can help with!