Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic Chili Oil
Ingredients
- 3 Japanese (or other Asian) cucumbers
- 5 grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4-5 cloves garlic, grated or very finely minced
- 2 small red chiles (like heaven-facing), chopped
- 1 Tb chili oil
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 Tb rice vinegar
- 1-2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
Preparation
Smash the cucumbers to create craggy pieces that can absorb the dressing
Sprinkle the smashed cucumbers with salt and let them sit to release excess moisture
Halve the grape tomatoes
Combine garlic, red chiles, chili oil, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sugar in a bowl to make the dressing
Toss the smashed cucumbers and halved tomatoes with the dressing until well coated
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about one hour to enhance the flavors
Tips
Use thin-skinned, nearly seedless cucumbers like Japanese, Persian, or baby varieties for best results
Wrap cucumbers in a towel before smashing to prevent seeds from flying around the kitchen
Serve the dish cold for the most refreshing experience
