Ah, the humble cucumber—often underestimated, but oh, the potential it holds! Imagine a blisteringly hot summer day; the sun’s playing a relentless game of tag with the shadows. You crave something crisp, cool, and invigorating—enter the Refreshing Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta and Herbs.
With each bite, the cucumbers whisper tales of dew-kissed mornings while the feta and herbs dance a zesty tango on your tongue. It’s like a mini-vacation in a bowl, reminiscent of that time you found solace in a sun-dappled garden, savoring fresh greens and thinking maybe, just maybe, life’s simple pleasures are the best.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by mixing salt, sugar, sesame oil, light soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until the salt and sugar have fully dissolved.
- Rinse the cucumbers and dry them with a towel. Place them on a cutting board, press a large knife flat against each cucumber, and gently smash using your hand until they crack open into four sections.
- Continue smashing along the entire cucumber until it is open, then slice it into bite-sized pieces at a 45-degree angle.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber pieces with the dressing, minced garlic, and chili oil (or heated plain oil). Toss everything together until the cucumbers are well-coated.
- Serve the salad topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: quantity not specified, smashed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt: amount not specified, for dressing
- Sugar: amount not specified, for dressing
- Sesame oil: amount not specified, for dressing
- Light soy sauce: amount not specified, for dressing
- Rice vinegar: amount not specified, for dressing
- Garlic: amount not specified, for mixing with dressing
- Chili oil (or an alternative of one tablespoon of heated plain oil): amount not specified, for mixing with dressing
- Toasted sesame seeds: for garnish
- Cilantro: for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 837mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 292IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- What is the main technique used in making the Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad?
- The key technique involves smashing the cucumbers with a heavy cleaver or rolling pin. This creates jagged edges that help the dressing adhere better and enhances the salad’s texture.
- Why should the salad be dressed right before serving?
- Once the cucumbers are smashed and dressed, they release a lot of water due to the salt in the dressing. Dressing the salad just before serving prevents the dressing from becoming diluted.
- Are there any alternatives to using chili oil in the recipe?
- Yes, if you prefer not to use chili oil, you can heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and drizzle it over the cucumbers. This approach offers a different flavor profile, as uncooked and cooked oils are treated differently in Chinese cuisine.
- What are the health benefits of cucumbers according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
- Cucumbers are believed to cleanse and detoxify the body, reduce high blood pressure, and have a cooling effect that eases internal heat, making them a beneficial summer food.
- How should cucumbers be cut after smashing them?
- After smashing, the cucumbers should be cut at a 45-degree angle into bite-sized pieces to ensure they are perfectly prepared for the salad.
Tips
- Use a heavy cleaver or rolling pin to smash the cucumbers, creating jagged edges that help the dressing adhere better. This technique is a staple in Chinese cuisine for enhancing texture and flavor absorption.
- Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from releasing too much water, which could dilute the dressing.
- If you prefer to skip the chili oil, try heating a tablespoon of plain oil and drizzling it over the salad. In Chinese cooking, the distinction between raw and cooked oils is significant, and each offers a unique flavor profile.
- For a garnish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro over the salad to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
Equipment
- Heavy Cleaver or Rolling Pin – Used for smashing the cucumbers.
- Large Knife – Needed to cut the cucumbers after smashing.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For mixing the cucumbers with the dressing and other ingredients.
- Cutting Board – Essential for preparing the cucumbers.
