Looking for a simple starter salad or side dish that’s easy & fun to make? This Spicy Smashed Cucumbers Recipe is full of flavor and a hint of heat.
Blow off some steam by smashing cucumbers
Smashing cucumbers instead of merely slicing them is a fun way to blow off some steam, while genuinely serving a useful purpose.
The uneven nooks and crannies created by that force allow them to absorb dressing more readily, whereas smooth cuts create slick surfaces that let it roll right off.
Paired with a touch of heat to contrast with the cooling effect of chilled cucumbers, it’s an ideal hot-and-cold salad or starter for any meal.
Spicy Smashed Cucumbers pair great with Asian dishes
Enjoy as a side with sushi, noodles, grilled tofu, miso soup, or any other Asian dishes.
You can easily halve this recipe if preferred. It doesn’t keep well, as the cucumbers will continue to soften and release water as they sit.
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Thai Red Curry with Tofu - Slow Cooker Curry Red Lentil Soup
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Spicy Smashed Cucumbers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Persian cucumbers
- 1 inch fresh ginger finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce coconut aminos for gluten-free & soy-free
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Take one cucumber at a time and place it on your cutting board. Rest the blade of a wide knife on top and use your palm to carefully whack it, much as you would to smash garlic cloves into paste. Continue until the cucumber splits. If you're worried about cutting yourself on the blade, you can use the bottom of a heavy pot or a rolling pin instead.
- Use your fingers to roughly tear the crushed cucumber into bite-size pieces and repeat until they’re all smashed and broken up.
- In a medium-sized dish, whisk the ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, scallions, cilantro, and red pepper flakes together. Pour the mixture over cucumbers, toss thoroughly to coat, and enjoy right away.
Notes
Nutrition
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