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Flavorful Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Black Sesame and Crispy Garlic

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A quick and easy smashed cucumber salad featuring nutty black sesame seeds and irresistible crispy garlic, perfect as a refreshing summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, washed
  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, toasted
  • 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 2 medium English cucumbers. Cut off the ends, then place each cucumber on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy glass, press down gently but firmly to smash the cucumber until it cracks and splits, about 2-3 minutes per cucumber.
  2. Break the smashed cucumber into bite-sized chunks with your hands or knife. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar), and optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Toast 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly darker, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove garlic with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle toasted black sesame seeds over the salad and toss lightly again.
  7. Scatter the crispy garlic on top just before serving to keep it crunchy. Serve immediately or chill briefly.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds for extra flavor. Fry garlic carefully to avoid burning. Drain excess water from cucumbers if soggy by salting and resting in a colander for 10 minutes. Store crispy garlic separately to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, black sesame, crispy garlic, summer side dish, quick salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/flavorful-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-black-sesame-and-crispy-garlic-easy-and-perfect-summer-side-dish/