Smacked Cucumbers
Discover the perfect balance of crunch and flavor with Smacked Cucumbers, a refreshing Chinese-inspired side dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. This recipe features lightly “smacked” English cucumbers, which are gently cracked for maximum texture and to soak up a savory, tangy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Finished with optional chili oil for a spicy kick, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, this no-cook recipe is ready in just 15 minutes. Ideal as a quick appetizer or complement to your favorite stir-fry, these cucumbers are a vibrant addition to any meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, "Smacked Cucumbers" is your go-to for a flavor-packed, stress-free dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chili oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds, toasted
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends.
Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and use the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin to gently ‘smack’ the cucumbers until they crack and split. Be careful to not over-smash them.
Slice the smacked cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the cucumbers with 1 teaspoon of salt and toss to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
In the meantime, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and chili oil (if using).
Drain any water released by the cucumbers, then pour the dressing over the cucumbers. Toss well to coat every piece with the flavorful sauce.
Transfer the cucumbers to a serving plate. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves (if using).
Serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
387 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.4 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3526 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.4 g | ||
| Protein | 8.7 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 147 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1046 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
