Exploded Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing
vxdaDiscover an Asian-inspired cucumber salad that's incredibly captivating! Perfect as a refreshing counterpoint to fiery dishes or a cooling companion on a sweltering day, this recipe employs an exhilarating technique: gently smashing the cucumbers. This act of culinary catharsis creates delightful fissures, allowing the vibrant dressing to truly permeate every nook and cranny. The bonus? It's genuinely satisfying to prepare!
Ingredients
- cucumber
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- ¼ cup green onion
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 ½ tsp ginger
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
Instructions
- 1
Place the cucumbers on a sturdy surface. Using a heavy implement such as a meat mallet (smooth side), a rolling pin, a pestle, or even a heavy can, gently but firmly bash each cucumber until it splits open along its sides. Refer to the video if you need a visual guide for this step.
- 2
Once smashed, slice the cucumbers into rough 2.5cm (1 inch) chunks and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- 3
Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber pieces, toss thoroughly to distribute, and then let them rest for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- 4
After resting, drain away any accumulated liquid from the bottom of the bowl.
- 5
In a separate small bowl or jar, ensure the dressing is thoroughly mixed or shaken to combine all ingredients.
- 6
Pour the prepared dressing over the smashed cucumbers. Garnish generously with fresh coriander and thinly sliced green onions. Give everything a final toss to coat evenly and serve without delay.