SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
This refreshing, flavorful salad stars Chinese black vinegar with light soy sauce as its milder sidekick. Smashed cucumber salad (pai huang gua in Mandarin) is a staple side dish in many Chinese restaurants, and I've often ordered it along with soup dumplings for a light meal. Chinese black vinegar has a deep and slightly smoky flavor, mild acidity and faint sweetness. The salad usually includes garlic and sesame seeds or sesame oil, and some variations add chiles or Sichuan peppercorn; this version uses gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a touch of heat, which isn't traditional but gives the salad a nice red hue and balanced spiciness. Smashing the cucumber helps to create jagged edges so there is more surface area to absorb the dressing, while salting the cucumber softens the skin, firms up the flesh and releases some water, concentrating the cucumber's flavor.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Partially peel the cucumbers by removing alternate strips of the skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Smash the cucumber with a flat side of a cleaver or large knife or a rolling pin or meat mallet until it is flattened with jagged edges. Split each cucumber half in half again lengthwise. Cut the strips into 1-inch pieces diagonally.
- Toss the cucumber and salt together in a medium bowl. Let sit at room temperature until the cucumber releases some water, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, combine the oil, shallot and garlic in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the shallot is translucent, about 2 minutes. Mix in the gochugaru and allow it to bloom in the oil. Stir the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds together in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Strain the cucumbers and dry them with a paper towel. Return them to the medium bowl. Add the vinegar mixture and toss. Toss again with the garlic-shallot oil. Garnish with the remaining sesame seeds and the cilantro.
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Amanda Shelton
[email protected]This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's also a low-calorie side dish that's perfect for those on a diet.
J Phillips
[email protected]This salad is a great way to use up leftover cucumbers. It's also a healthy and refreshing side dish that's perfect for summer.
Ahmed Tariq
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of cucumbers, but this salad changed my mind. The cucumbers are so crisp and refreshing, and the dressing is perfect.
Anastasia Armstrong
[email protected]This salad is the perfect addition to any summer cookout or potluck. It's refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make.
Amsel Porcelain
[email protected]I love the simplicity of this salad. It's made with just a few fresh ingredients, but it's packed with flavor.
SGx NARUTO
[email protected]This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's also a low-calorie side dish that's perfect for those on a diet.
Diaisa Par
[email protected]I've tried many smashed cucumber salad recipes, but this one is by far the best. The dressing is perfectly balanced and the cucumbers are always crisp and refreshing.
Imikan Umoh
[email protected]I love this salad! It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends.
Hazem Sayed
[email protected]This salad is a great way to use up leftover cucumbers. It's also a healthy and refreshing side dish that's perfect for summer.
melchisidech calderon
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the salad turned out great! The cucumbers were crisp and flavorful, and the dressing was perfect. I will definitely be making this again.
Ismael Hern√°ndez Ordenes
[email protected]This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. I love the combination of the cucumbers, red onion, and dill. The dressing is also perfect - it's light and tangy, but not too overpowering.
Annaliese Reynolds
[email protected]I've made this salad a few times now and it's always a winner. It's the perfect side dish for a summer cookout or potluck.
Marcella Cherry
[email protected]This salad was a hit at my last barbecue! Everyone loved the unique flavor and the cucumbers were so crisp and refreshing.
Suleman Saghir
[email protected]So easy to make and so refreshing! I used a mandoline to slice the cucumbers, which made it even quicker. The dressing is perfect - tangy and flavorful without being too heavy.
Olobo Lawrence
[email protected]This smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing and delicious summer side dish. The cucumbers are crisp and flavorful, and the dressing is light and tangy. I especially love the addition of the red onion and dill, which add a nice bit of crunch and flavo