Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

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

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

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dressing.

Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami taste; ensure it's gluten-free if needed.

Rice vinegar: Adds a mild tanginess to the dressing.

Sesame oil: Gives a rich, nutty flavor to the salad.

Sugar: Balances the tanginess and saltiness of the dressing.

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

Cilantro: Fresh and aromatic, it enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

To achieve the perfect texture for this smashed cucumber salad, make sure to use the side of a large knife or a rolling pin to gently smash the cucumbers. This technique not only helps to break down the cucumber's cell walls, allowing them to absorb the dressing better, but also creates a more interesting texture compared to simply slicing them. After smashing, let the cucumbers sit with salt for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which will keep your salad from becoming watery.

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

• Rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy flavor and is also gluten-free.

• Sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a bit of complexity to the flavor, and is naturally gluten-free.

• Toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, and are gluten-free.

• Cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and is a good alternative for those who do not like cilantro.

• To store your smashed cucumber salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its crispness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• 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 become soggy.
• If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately in a small jar or container. Combine the cucumbers and dressing just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and texture.
• Avoid freezing the smashed cucumber salad. The high water content in cucumbers makes them unsuitable for freezing, as they will become mushy and lose their appealing texture once thawed.
• If you have leftover dressing, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use it to dress other salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables or meat.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding the cilantro and toasted sesame seeds just before serving, even if you've stored the salad for a while. This will keep the garnish fresh and vibrant.

• If you must reheat the smashed cucumber salad, it's best to do so gently to maintain its texture and flavor. Here are some methods:

1. Room Temperature Reheat:

   • Remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps to bring the salad to a more palatable temperature without compromising the crispness of the cucumbers.

2. Microwave Method:

   • Place the salad in a microwave-safe bowl.
   • Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
   • Heat on low power (about 30-40% power) for 10-15 seconds. Check the temperature and repeat if necessary. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cucumbers can become mushy.

3. Warm Water Bath:

   • Fill a larger bowl with warm water (not boiling).
   • Place the container with the salad into the warm water, ensuring the water level is below the rim of the container to avoid water seeping in.
   • Let it sit for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.

4. Stovetop Method:

   • Place a small amount of water in a saucepan and heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
   • Place the container with the salad into the saucepan, ensuring the water level is below the rim of the container.
   • Stir occasionally until the salad is warmed through.

5. Oven Method:

   • Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 170°F or 75°C).
   • Place the salad in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
   • Heat for about 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t overheat.

Remember, the goal is to gently bring the salad to a more enjoyable temperature without compromising the crispness and flavor of the cucumbers.

• Knife: To smash and cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.

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

• Mixing bowl: To place the cucumbers and sprinkle with salt.

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

• Garlic press: To mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

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

• Spoon: To mix the dressing ingredients together.

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

• Serving bowl: To serve the finished cucumber salad.

• Spatula: To toss the cucumbers with the dressing evenly.

• Toaster or skillet: To toast the sesame seeds if they are not pre-toasted.

• Chopping knife: To chop the cilantro for garnish.

Smash cucumbers efficiently: Use a rolling pin or a heavy pan to smash the cucumbers quickly and evenly.

Pre-mince garlic: Mince garlic in bulk and store in the fridge to save prep time.

Use pre-toasted sesame seeds: Buy pre-toasted sesame seeds to skip the toasting step.

Batch-make dressing: Mix a larger batch of the dressing and store it in the fridge for future use.

Quick drain cucumbers: Place salted cucumbers in a colander over a bowl to drain while you prepare other ingredients.