Smashed Cucumber Salad
User Reviews
5
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Description
Smashed Cucumber Salad uses 1 pound of cucumbers that are bashed to split open, allowing the seasoning to penetrate and produce a pleasant texture. After bashing, the cucumbers are cut into chunks, salted, then rested and drained to remove excess water. The dressing blends rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, soy sauce, and sugar, combining acidic, nutty, spicy, and savory elements.
The dish is finished by tossing cucumber chunks with the dressing and garnishing with chopped coriander (cilantro) and sliced green onions, lending bright herbal and mild onion flavors to balance the crisp vegetables. Toasted sesame oil contributes a deeper, complex aroma compared to untoasted versions.
The salad is served immediately to preserve its fresh crunch. Its light, clean taste works well as a side dish or appetizer in a variety of meals. The notes suggest using English or Lebanese cucumbers for best results, and provide alternatives for herbs and seasonings. High salt use initially is mitigated by rinsing and draining before serving.
Ingredients
- 500g/ 1 lb cucumber 4 medium or 2 long cucumbers, Note 1
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp Coriander roughly chopped, or cilantro
- 1/4 cup green onions , sliced
Dressing:
- 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil , toasted (Note 2)
- 1.5 tsp ginger , freshly grated
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Bash the cucumbers until they split open on the sides (see video) using something heavy like the smooth side of a meat mallet, rolling pin, pestle or even a can.
- Cut into 2.5cm/1" chunks then place in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt, toss, leave for 20 minutes.
- Drain excess liquid in the bowl.
- Shake or mix Dressing well.
- Drizzle over cucumbers, sprinkle with coriander and green onions. Toss and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 2 long cucumbers (English or Telegraph variety) or 3 medium Lebanese cucumbers for best texture and flavor.
- Toasted sesame oil is preferred for a richer taste; it is generally brown, while untoasted is yellow and milder.
- Coriander is optional; green onions add ideal sharpness but can be substituted with finely sliced red onions, shallots, or chives.
- The salt amount is high initially to draw moisture from cucumbers but much is discarded by draining before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4- 5 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 4149 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 41.49cal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 4.23g | 1% |
| Protein | 1.33g | 3% |
| Fat | 2.25g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Sodium | 609.21mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 216.13mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1.06g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2.35g | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 202.46IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 10.47mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 32.84mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.84mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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