Calling all cucumber lovers! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a refreshing and vibrant Smashed Cucumber Salad with Mint. This delightful salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring crisp cucumbers, aromatic mint, tangy red onion, and a zesty dressing. It's the perfect side dish for your next summer barbecue, potluck, or picnic.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a culinary journey as we explore the art of making Smashed Cucumber Salad with Mint. We'll provide you with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste preferences. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of cucumber salad bliss!
In addition to the classic Smashed Cucumber Salad with Mint, we'll also introduce you to a variety of other cucumber salad recipes that are sure to please everyone at your table. From the creamy and flavorful Cucumber Salad with Dill to the spicy and refreshing Spicy Cucumber Salad with Chili Oil, we've got you covered. And for those who love a bit of Asian flair, our Asian Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar Dressing is a must-try.
SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
Steps:
- Quarter the cucumbers lengthwise. Put the slices on a cutting board, skin-side-up. Use the flat side of your knife to lightly smash along the length, then cut the cucumbers into 3/4-inch pieces. Toss the cucumbers with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and sugar, then drain in a colander for 20 minutes.
- Whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add the cucumbers and toss to coat. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper, if using.
SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
This refreshing, flavorful salad stars Chinese black vinegar with light soy sauce as its milder sidekick. Smashed cucumber salad (pai huang gua in Mandarin) is a staple side dish in many Chinese restaurants, and I've often ordered it along with soup dumplings for a light meal. Chinese black vinegar has a deep and slightly smoky flavor, mild acidity and faint sweetness. The salad usually includes garlic and sesame seeds or sesame oil, and some variations add chiles or Sichuan peppercorn; this version uses gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a touch of heat, which isn't traditional but gives the salad a nice red hue and balanced spiciness. Smashing the cucumber helps to create jagged edges so there is more surface area to absorb the dressing, while salting the cucumber softens the skin, firms up the flesh and releases some water, concentrating the cucumber's flavor.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
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 RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: medium english cucumbers, red onion, kosher salt, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flake
Provided by Betsy Carter
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, smash the cucumbers, then slice into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the red onion, salt, and sugar, and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers, then toss to coat.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 56 calories, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 1 gram, Sugar 4 grams
SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
By crushing our cucumber before we cut it, we produce flavors that un-smashed cukes can't. When you crush the cells in a vegetable, as opposed to cutting cleanly through them, certain compounds get mixed together, which can result in a significantly different flavor. In cucumbers this is a good thing--onions, not so much. But this salad is one of my all-time favorite cold summer side dishes. The only decision you're going to have to make is how long to let the cucumbers marinate--half an hour or so or not at all.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Cucumber Salad Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 28.5 calories, Carbohydrate 3.5 g, Fat 1.4 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 530.2 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
SMASHED CHINESE CUCUMBER SALAD
Smashing cucumbers is a delicious and rustically beautiful preparation that is common across Asia. Smashing them creates a variety of different textures, and draining them concentrates the flavor. This is a simple-to-prepare dish but it packs personality!
Provided by Molly Yeh
Time 15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the cucumbers in a resealable plastic bag. Seal and use the palm of your hand to lightly smash the cucumbers. Take the cucumbers out of the bag and cut into 1-inch chunks. Add to a bowl and season with salt. Toss to coat.
- Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and chile flakes in a medium bowl. Whisk to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the cucumbers, then toss and garnish with the toasted sesame seeds and cilantro.
Tips:
- Choose the right cucumbers: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, firm cucumbers that are not too large. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly: This will help them absorb the dressing and flavors more easily.
- Use a variety of herbs and spices: Mint, cilantro, dill, and basil are all great options for adding flavor to this salad. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. You want the cucumbers to be coated in the dressing, but you don't want them to be swimming in it.
- Serve the salad immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
Conclusion:
Smashed cucumber salad with mint is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With its simple ingredients and vibrant flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a light and healthy side dish, give this smashed cucumber salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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