Discover the delightful crunch and refreshing taste of Simple Smashed Cucumbers, a popular Chinese appetizer that’s gaining fans worldwide. Perfect as a salad or a side dish, this recipe combines fresh cucumbers with a zesty garlic-ginger dressing for a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Cucumbers: 400g (14 oz)
- Large green onions: 4 stalks (40g or 1.4 oz)
- Small bunch of cilantro: 20g (0.7 oz)
- Fresh ginger root: 2 cm (0.8 inches)
- Garlic cloves: 3-4 (15-20g or 0.5-0.7 oz)
- Rice, apple, or wine vinegar: 40ml (1.4 fl oz)
- Soy sauce: 40ml (1.4 fl oz)
- Vegetable oil: 30ml (1 fl oz)
- Sugar: 2 tsp (10g)
- Salt: 1 tsp (5g)
- Freshly ground black pepper: 0.5 tsp (3g)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dressing:
Peel the ginger and garlic, then chop roughly. Place in a blender.
Add the vinegar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until mostly smooth, leaving small pieces if desired.
Prepare the Cucumbers:
Lay the cucumbers on a cutting board. Using a moderately heavy object (like a meat mallet or small rolling pin), smash the cucumbers until they crack along the length but do not fall apart.
Cut the smashed cucumbers into pieces approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) long.
Marinate the Cucumbers:
Place the cucumber pieces in a container with a lid or a ziplock bag. Pour the ginger-garlic dressing over the cucumbers.
Gently but thoroughly mix to ensure all cucumber pieces are coated. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for another 30-60 minutes. For a quicker chill, place in the freezer for 5-7 minutes.
Serve:
Finely chop the green onions and roughly chop the cilantro. Drain most of the liquid from the cucumbers.
Toss the cucumbers with the chopped herbs and serve immediately.
Tips for the Home Cook:
If you have dark sesame oil, drizzle a bit over the cucumbers for an even richer flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 120.34 kcal
Protein: 2.13g
Fat: 7.61g
Carbohydrates: 11.00g
Enjoy these Simple Smashed Cucumbers as a cool and crunchy addition to any meal, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures!
