Why smash Cucumbers?

The Smashed Cucumber Salad came about watching one of the endless youtube videos, I love cucumbers and here in the heat of Texas, they are a perfect refreshing side salad. I found a recipe from the NY-Times but adapted it, cause I don’t like Cilantro. And I like recipes that are fast and easy.

I have been diving into new territory in my cooking, Asian Cuisine. Yup, I thought to myself, why are they so thin, so I did some research and I realized their way of eating is actually very healthy. So I am adapting my meals and cooking to a more Asian style. I am so glad that my grocery store carries most of the items I need for these dishes.

Pai Huang Gua, is served all over in China. Cucumbers are such a refreshing veggie, for hot days. To help cool down on hot days. The Sesame Oil gives it such a nice toasted nutty flavor, this oil has become one of my favorites to cook with.

But here is my version of this recipe and I like it a lot. This Smashed Cucumber Salad it is fastly becoming a staple with our meals. I hope you enjoy it just as much as us.

Smashed Cucumber Salad

refreshing salad to clense your palette

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Prep Time 10 mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 6 people

Equipment

• Medium Bowl
• small Bowl
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 2 Cucumbers
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• Red Pepper Flakes to taste
• 2 tsp toasted Sesame Seeds

Notes

Cut the ends off the cucumbers, then cut about 1" pieces. Cut those pieces in half and lay cut side down on the cutting board. Lay your knife flat on top of the cucumber and "Smash" it, they will crack, which is what we want. The "cracks" will be able to absorb the dressing so you will have flavor everywhere.  Put in the bigger bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together all the other ingredients and pour over the cucumbers. Mix and let it rest for about 10 mins, so the flavors can be absorbed.

Bon apetit