Chinese Inspired Smashed Cucumber Salad

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Chinese Inspired Smashed Cucumber Salad

This Chinese inspired smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing and delicious side dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic. The cucumbers are smashed to release their juices, which are then combined with a sweet and sour dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. The result is a light and flavorful salad that is sure to please everyone.

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Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and halved lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with the salt. Let sit for 30 minutes, or until the cucumbers have released some of their juices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Drain the cucumbers and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
4. Add the cucumbers to the dressing and toss to coat.
5. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.

Tips:

• For a more intense flavor, you can smash the cucumbers with a heavy object, such as a rolling pin or meat mallet.
• You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as carrots, red onions, or scallions.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Enjoy!

Here are some other variations of this recipe:

• For a spicier salad, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• For a sweeter salad, add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing.
• For a more refreshing salad, add a handful of chopped mint leaves to the dressing.

No matter how you make it, this Chinese inspired smashed cucumber salad is sure to be a hit!