Ingredients
- Cucumbers: 2 large, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Flakes: ½ teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: There’s no need for an oven here, just make sure you have a rolling pin or the side of a knife to smack the cucumbers.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and gently smack them with a rolling pin or the side of a knife to break them into bite-sized pieces. This helps release their juice and enhances flavor absorption.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the smacked cucumbers into the bowl with the dressing. Add the cilantro and toss to coat the cucumbers evenly in the dressing.
- Cook to Perfection: There’s no cooking needed, just let the cucumbers sit for about 10 minutes to marinate in the flavors.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the salad and give it one final toss.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light snack. Enjoy the crunch and freshness with every bite!
Notes
- Smacking the cucumbers helps to soften them slightly while preserving their texture.
- Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a new twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, smacked cucumber, refreshing salad, summer salad, healthy salad