-
-
My review
Smashed Cucumber Salad
57k
Chef John
"By crushing our cucumber before we cut it, we produce flavors that un-smashed cukes can't. When you crush the cells in a vegetable, as opposed to cutting cleanly through them, certain compounds get mixed together, which can result in a significantly different flavor. In cucumbers this is a good thing--onions, not so much. But this salad is one of my all-time favorite cold summer side dishes. The only decision you're going to have to make is how long to let the cucumbers marinate--half an hour or so or not at all."
Added to shopping list.
Go to shopping list.
Ingredients
1 h 15 m servings 29Original recipe yields 6 servings
- Adjust
- US
- Metric
Directions
{{model.addEditText}} Print- Wrap each cucumber in plastic wrap to minimize splattering. Place on a work surface and pound with a flat object (like a meat pounder) until cucumbers crack and are slightly flattened. Remove from plastic. Cut cucumbers in half; halve each side lengthwise. Slice into 1- to 1 1/2 -inch wide slices. Transfer to a strainer set over a bowl.
- Sprinkle cucumber with sugar and salt; mix until well combined. Refrigerate bowl and strainer for 30 to 60 minutes so cucumber pieces can drain into the bowl.
- Place garlic, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Whisk together thoroughly.
- Transfer drained cucumbers into bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
- Place cucumbers in serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Footnotes
- Chef's Note:
- In place of seasoned rice vinegar you can use plain rice vinegar and add an extra pinch of salt and sugar to the dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Share
Explore more
Reviews
Read all reviews 2637 Ratings
-
-
-
-
-
Most helpful positive review
6/22/2017
I had no idea what an English Cucumber was ... had seen them, but never tried them. I have tried many of Chef John's recipes. And have always enjoyed them ... so I decided to try this one. I f...
Most helpful critical review
10/8/2018
Somehow I was expecting more from this recipe it was good just not as delicious as I was hoping.
Most helpful
Most positive
Least positive
Newest
6/22/2017
I had no idea what an English Cucumber was ... had seen them, but never tried them. I have tried many of Chef John's recipes. And have always enjoyed them ... so I decided to try this one. I f...
7/22/2017
LOVE IT! The traditionally Asian ingredients of the dressing give this salad a unique personality and the smashing technique really IS fun! A great change from sour cream-and-dill-based cucumber...
10/15/2017
I have made smashed cucumbers before, but I used cumin, lime and cilantro to season them. This version was pretty tasty as well. I served these to accompany Chinese carry out. They were good en...
5/10/2018
I love this recipe, so refreshing and light at the same time! Thank you Chef John!
1/8/2018
this was absolutely delicious.. we made this with a regular cucumber and unseasoned rice vinegar.. i'm not sure if smashing did much of anything but we felt letting the cucumber drain with sugar...
8/1/2017
I have made this several times and each time its a hit. Be careful with the sesame oil, its very potent and too much can ruin the dish. I cut it down to 3/4 tsp. and I add a little extra swee...
6/24/2017
I was skeptical at first but we loved Chef John's shaved asparagus salad so I thought what the heck, I'll smash a cucumber. It is very good. The cucumber stays crispy and there is just a tin...
10/8/2018
Somehow I was expecting more from this recipe it was good just not as delicious as I was hoping.
9/3/2018
I used a little more sesame oil, have made this for every pot luck since it posted. I'm making it again today. It's so delicious and simple.