Let it out. This salad can take it.
Take a deep breath. I get it, you’ve had a tough day, but this is not the moment to pick a fight with your significant other or yell at the cat. The annoying customer or coworker doesn’t deserve wedding china thrown against the wall or even a slammed door. Nope, this is the time to make a cucumber salad.
Why? This Szechuan smashed cucumber salad can take your anger and frustration. In fact, the salad is even better for it. Smashing these cucumbers apart creates more surface area to hold the delicious, umami-rich and spicy dressing.
You can smash the cucumbers with the flat side of your chefs knife or a rolling pin, but if it has been a particularly rough day may I recommend a good, heavy, cast-iron pan. Now, go hug your kids and maybe rub the dog’s belly. I bet you feel better already.
Szechuan smashed cucumber salad
Serves 6
Smashing cucumbers creates extra surface area to hold the vinaigrette. This dish is traditionally served as a respite for the palate amidst often spicy Szechuan cuisine. I think it’s wonderful with meats hot off the grill or alongside cold peanut noodles on a particularly sultry summer night.
Ingredients:
4 thin-skinned, medium-sized Asian or Persian cucumbers or 1-2 large English cucumbers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 rice wine vinegar
1 tbs soy sauce
Pinch sugar
Optional: chile and garlic sauce, Gochijang, Sriracha or other hot sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbs toasted sesame seeds
Directions:
Cut ends off of cucumbers and, on your cutting board, smash cucumbers with the flat side of your chefs knife, a rolling pin, or a heavy skillet until they are broken apart. They will usually break into 3-4 long pieces.
Using your knife, cut into bite sized piece and toss with salt. Place in colander and let rest for 15-30 min.
Make vinaigrette: Sprinkle garlic with a generous pinch or two of coarse salt. Mash into a paste using the flat side of your knife. Add to a medium bowl and whisk in vinegar, soy sauce and sugar. Add hot sauce if desired. Drizzle in oils, while whisking, to form a creamy emulsion.
Rinse cucumbers, toss with plenty of dressing, and sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.
TIP: Salting the cucumbers and letting them drain removes some water giving you a crisper cucumber salad.
