Smashed Cucumber Salad With Mint Recipes

PONZU SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Halve the cucumbers lengthwise. Put the cucumbers on a cutting board cut-side down, then use the side of a chef's knife to gently but firmly press down and smash them so that they lightly crack but do not fall apart. Slice the smashed cucumbers into 1-inch pieces.
• Put the cucumbers in a colander and toss them with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place a bag of ice on top of them and let them drain for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Stir the ponzu, lemon juice, coconut aminos, sambal, sesame oil, ginger, scallions and garlic together in a medium bowl. Add the cucumbers and cilantro and toss to combine.

SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD WITH MINT

Steps:

• Place the cucumbers in a large ziptop bag and smash them with a heavy skillet. Chop into 3/4-inch pieces, place in a colander with a pinch of salt and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the lemon juice and onion and let sit until the cucumbers are ready.
• Add the cucumbers to the bowl with the onion. Toss with the mint, olive oil, za'atar, radishes and a few turns of pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Partially peel the cucumbers by removing alternate strips of the skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Smash the cucumber with a flat side of a cleaver or large knife or a rolling pin or meat mallet until it is flattened with jagged edges. Split each cucumber half in half again lengthwise. Cut the strips into 1-inch pieces diagonally.
• Toss the cucumber and salt together in a medium bowl. Let sit at room temperature until the cucumber releases some water, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, combine the oil, shallot and garlic in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the shallot is translucent, about 2 minutes. Mix in the gochugaru and allow it to bloom in the oil. Stir the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds together in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
• Strain the cucumbers and dry them with a paper towel. Return them to the medium bowl. Add the vinegar mixture and toss. Toss again with the garlic-shallot oil. Garnish with the remaining sesame seeds and the cilantro.

SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Wrap each cucumber in plastic wrap to minimize splattering. Place on a work surface and pound with a flat object (like a meat pounder) until cucumbers crack and are slightly flattened. Remove from plastic. Cut cucumbers in half; halve each side lengthwise. Slice into 1- to 1 1/2 -inch wide slices. Transfer to a strainer set over a bowl.
• Sprinkle cucumber with sugar and salt; mix until well combined. Refrigerate bowl and strainer for 30 to 60 minutes so cucumber pieces can drain into the bowl.
• Place garlic, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Whisk together thoroughly.
• Transfer drained cucumbers into bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
• Place cucumbers in serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.