Smashed Cucumber Salad (Oi Tangtangyi)
A Quick and Refreshing Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Inspired by a TV cooking show, I’ve recreated this delightful ‘Oi Tangtangyi’ – a smashed cucumber salad. Cucumbers are wonderfully versatile, but this preparation truly shines, especially during hot summer days when your appetite might wane. Its tangy and slightly sweet profile is guaranteed to awaken your taste buds. This recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make, perfect for anyone to follow!
Main Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cloves garlic
Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp 3x concentrated vinegar (or 3 Tbsp regular vinegar)
- 0.2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp whole sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp 3x concentrated vinegar (or 3 Tbsp regular vinegar)
- 0.2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp whole sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your cucumber and garlic. Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water, trim off both ends, and then gently scrape the surface with the dull side of a knife or a peeler to slightly roughen it. This step helps the cucumber absorb the flavors better.
Step 2
Cut the prepared cucumber in half lengthwise. If the cucumber is very long, it’s best to cut it into manageable lengths, about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches), to make smashing easier.
Step 3
Get ready for the smashing! You’ll need something to pound the cucumber with, like a meat mallet, the flat side of a heavy knife, or even a rolling pin.
Step 4
Place the cut cucumber pieces into a resealable plastic bag. Then, using your chosen tool, gently but firmly pound the cucumber. You want to ‘smash’ it rather than crush it, aiming for a texture where the pieces are slightly broken apart and rough on the surface. Listen for a ‘tang tang’ sound! Be careful not to over-smash it into mush.
Step 5
Next, prepare the garlic. Mince the garlic cloves finely or crush them using the flat side of your knife. The pungent aroma of garlic will beautifully complement the refreshing cucumber.
Step 6
Sprinkle the salt (0.2 Tbsp) evenly over the smashed cucumber pieces. This initial seasoning helps to draw out some moisture and begin flavoring the cucumber.
Step 7
Add the minced or crushed garlic to the cucumber. Gently toss everything together to distribute the garlic evenly amongst the cucumber pieces.
Step 8
Now for the star ingredient: 1 Tbsp of 3x concentrated vinegar. This type of vinegar is quite strong, so it’s crucial for achieving the authentic tangy flavor. If you’re using regular white vinegar, you’ll need about 3 tablespoons to achieve a similar level of acidity. Adjust to your preference.
Step 9
Finally, add the remaining seasonings: 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds, and 1 Tbsp whole sesame seeds. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Your refreshing Oi Tangtangyi is now ready!
Step 10
This incredibly quick and easy smashed cucumber salad is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors that will truly stimulate your appetite. It’s the perfect dish for a fast-paced lifestyle. Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious juices that naturally form in the bowl – they are just as tasty as the cucumber itself! This dish brings back nostalgic memories of childhood cucumber salads, offering a comforting and delightful taste experience. Enjoy this refreshing treat and make your summer even more delicious!
