Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp, they form the base of the salad.

Salt: Helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.

Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.

Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami taste.

Sugar: Balances the acidity and saltiness of the dressing.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.

Sesame oil: Gives a rich, nutty taste to the dressing.

Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

When smashing the cucumbers, use the flat side of a large chef's knife or a rolling pin to apply even pressure. This technique not only breaks down the cucumbers for better absorption of the dressing, but also creates irregular surfaces that hold onto the flavors more effectively. Make sure to remove the seeds before smashing to prevent excess wateriness in the salad.

• cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can be used raw in salads, providing a comparable crunch.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a slightly fruity note.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar savory flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, making it a good alternative.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the salad well.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a different flavor profile but can still provide a rich, smooth texture.

• toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

• To store the smashed cucumber salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its crispness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the cucumbers may start to lose their crunch and the flavors might become too intense.
• If you want to prepare the salad in advance, consider storing the dressing separately. Mix the cucumbers and dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers as crisp as possible.
• Avoid freezing the smashed cucumber salad. Freezing will cause the cucumbers to become mushy and lose their refreshing texture once thawed.
• If you have leftover toasted sesame seeds, store them in a small, airtight container at room temperature. They can be used to garnish other salads or dishes.
• For a quick refresh, if the salad has been stored for a day, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or a few drops of sesame oil before serving to revive its flavors.

• Store the smashed cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
• When ready to enjoy again, avoid traditional reheating methods like microwaving or using an oven, as these can make the cucumbers soggy and unappetizing.
• Instead, refresh the salad by:
  1. Draining any excess liquid that may have accumulated in the container.
  2. Adding a splash of rice vinegar and a dash of soy sauce to revive the flavors.
  3. Tossing the salad gently to redistribute the dressing and ensure each piece is well-coated.
  4. Sprinkling a few more toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
• If the salad has lost some of its initial crispness, consider adding a few freshly smashed and chopped cucumbers to the mix to restore texture.
• Serve immediately after refreshing to enjoy the best flavor and crunch.

• Cutting board: A flat surface to safely cut and smash the cucumbers.

• Knife: Used to cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and to smash them.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl to hold the cucumber pieces and mix them with the dressing.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.

• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure the salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

• Garlic press: To mince the garlic clove efficiently.

• Spoon: For mixing the dressing ingredients together.

• Colander: To drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers.

• Serving dish: To present the finished cucumber salad.

Prep cucumbers ahead: Cut and smash the cucumbers in advance, then store them in the fridge to save time later.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to skip the step of mincing a fresh clove.

Mix dressing in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the dressing and store it in the fridge for quick use in multiple salads.

Toast sesame seeds in advance: Toast a batch of sesame seeds and store them in an airtight container to save time during assembly.

Skip salting step: If you're in a rush, you can skip the salting and draining step, though it may slightly affect the texture.