Crispy Smashed Cucumber Salad
Easy Summer Side Dish: How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad (Sumi’s Side Dish Style)
Introducing ‘Smashed Cucumber Salad,’ one of the easiest and quickest cucumber dishes you can make. It’s a perfect summer treat that’s deliciously sweet and tangy when you don’t have much appetite.
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (cheongyang pepper)
- 1 red chili pepper
Seasoning- 1 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water and prepare them. Lightly patting them dry will make cooking easier.
Step 2
Using a vegetable peeler, peel the cucumber skin in a sparse, decorative pattern. Leaving strips of green skin adds texture and visual appeal.
Step 3
Place the prepared cucumbers into a zipper bag or plastic bag. This prevents them from scattering when you smash them, keeping things tidy.
Step 4
Gently pound the cucumbers inside the bag with a mallet (like a meat tenderizer). Be careful not to smash them too hard, or they will become mushy.
Step 5
Pound them just enough so that the cucumber pieces can be easily torn by hand. The key is to maintain a pleasant, crisp texture.
Step 6
Tear the smashed cucumber into bite-sized pieces by hand and place them in a bowl. Tearing them allows the seasoning to penetrate better, making them tastier.
Step 7
Remove the stems from the Korean green chili and red chili peppers, then thinly slice them. These will add color and a hint of spiciness.
Step 8
Add the sliced chili peppers to the bowl with the cucumbers. (Note: If you don’t have red chili peppers, you can skip them. The dish will still be delicious with just the green chilies.)
Step 9
Now it’s time to add the seasoning. First, add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the cucumbers.
Step 10
Next, add 3 tablespoons of sugar to provide a touch of sweetness.
Step 11
For a tangy flavor, add 4 tablespoons of vinegar. This creates the perfect sweet and sour balance.
Step 12
Finally, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Step 13
Once all the seasoning ingredients are added, gently toss everything together by hand, being careful not to mash the cucumbers or peppers further. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 14
Taste the mixed cucumbers and adjust the seasoning with more salt, sugar, or vinegar according to your preference. It should have a satisfying crunch and a delightful sweet and sour taste.
Step 15
Transfer the deliciously seasoned smashed cucumber salad to a nice serving dish. You can enjoy it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for an extra refreshing treat.
