Refreshing Smashed Cucumber Salad with Fiery Garlic Dressing
Details
A sensational symphony of smashed cucumbers and pungent garlic, dressed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Salad
For the Dressing
Instructions
Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using the flat side of a cleaver or a heavy rolling pin, firmly smash each cucumber until it breaks into irregular pieces. Don't worry if it's not uniform; the uneven texture helps absorb the dressing. Slice the smashed cucumber pieces into bite-sized chunks.
Drain Excess Water (Optional but Recommended)
Place the cucumber pieces in a colander and sprinkle with a small pinch of salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water. This step helps keep the salad crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming diluted. Pat dry with paper towels before proceeding.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, light soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame oil, granulated sugar, and chili oil. Whisk well until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; you might want more sugar for balance, or more chili oil for heat.
Combine and Serve
Add the cucumber pieces to a mixing bowl. Pour the prepared garlic dressing over the cucumbers. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are well coated.
Garnish and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, if using. Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Recipe tags
Ingredient tags
Recipe reviews
Leave a review
Sign in to share your review.
Reviews
More recipes
From the Dordogne Valley Classic French Garlic Potatoes Pommes de Terre Sarladaises
Transport your kitchen to the Dordogne Valley with this classic French dish. Crispy potatoes, fragrant garlic, and rich duck fat come together in a symphony of savoury perfection.
A Taste of Anatolia: Creamy Turkish Carrot and Garlic Yogurt Dip (Havuç Tarator)
Unlock the vibrant flavours of Anatolia with this ridiculously creamy carrot dip. The secret? A generous kick of garlic that perfectly complements the sweet carrots and tangy yogurt.