Smashed Cucumber Salad

Name: Smashed Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cucumbers; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp soy sauce; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegan

Smashed Cucumber Salad, a staple of northern Chinese tables, is a dish that brings the comfort of home cooking to life. Traditionally prepared with salt measured by feel and a generous use of fat, it's a recipe passed down through families, capturing the essence of shared meals and informal gatherings. This version stays true to its roots, echoing the way a Chinese family cook would present it at home.

The salad offers a refreshing crunch, with cucumbers tenderized by a gentle smashing that allows them to soak up the flavors of garlic, Chinkiang vinegar, and sesame oil. The balance of savory soy sauce and a hint of sweetness from sugar creates a harmonious taste, making it an irresistible addition to any shared meal.

Ingredients

2cucumbers
3garlic cloves
1 tbspChinkiang vinegar
1 tspsesame oil
1 tspsugar
1 tspsoy sauce
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by washing 2 cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Place one cucumber on a sturdy cutting board, and using the flat side of a chef's knife or a rolling pin, gently smash it until it splits open and the seeds are exposed. Repeat with the second cucumber.
Once smashed, cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 2 inches in size. Transfer the pieces to a large bowl. Sprinkle a generous pinch of fine sea salt over the cucumbers, tossing them lightly to ensure even distribution. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water and enhance their flavor.
While the cucumbers are resting, peel and finely mince 3 garlic cloves. In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic with 1 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp soy sauce. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a balanced dressing.
Drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Toss the salad gently with your hands or a spatula, being careful not to break the cucumber pieces further.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional fine sea salt if needed, keeping in mind that the flavors should be bright and slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness. Serve the Smashed Cucumber Salad immediately, paired with bread on the side, to enjoy its refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors.