Smacked Cucumbers Recipe

Name: Smacked Cucumbers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: Serves 1 or more
Ingredients: Cucumbers; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; Chilies; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Rice Vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon chili oil (optional); Peanut Oil; Dried Chili Pepper Flakes

Experience the explosive flavors of Smacked Cucumbers, a sensational appetizer straight from Hunan Province, China! This recipe, inspired by a revolutionary Chinese cookbook, gets its name from the unique technique of 'smacking' cucumbers with a cleaver to tenderize them and enhance their flavor absorption. The resulting dish is a refreshing and addictive blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet unforgettable culinary adventure!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Calories 88.9 kcal

Protein 1g

Rating 4.3 (3 Reviews)

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Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Smacked Cucumbers

Cucumbers
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Chilies
2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice Vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
Peanut Oil
Dried Chili Pepper Flakes

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How to Make Smacked Cucumbers

Wash and thoroughly dry the cucumber. Place it on a sturdy cutting board.
Using the flat side of a cleaver (or the bottom of a heavy knife), firmly smack the cucumber several times to create cracks along its length. Be careful not to cut all the way through!
Chop the smacked cucumber into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-inch pieces).
Place the chopped cucumber in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gently toss to coat.
Let the cucumber sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
After 30 minutes, gently drain off any excess liquid from the bowl.
**Version 1 (Quick & Easy):** Add minced garlic, chopped salted chilies (or fresh chilies), rice vinegar, sugar, and salt (to taste) to the cucumber. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, drizzle with sesame oil and chili oil (if using). Toss gently and serve immediately.
**Version 2 (Spicy & Aromatic):** Add minced garlic, rice vinegar, and salt (to taste) to the cucumber. Mix well and set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or small skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
Add red pepper flakes to the cucumber. Carefully pour the hot oil over the cucumber; it will sizzle.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

Fat

Carbs

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Starters Appetizers & Snacks Salads Lunch Sweets & Sides Side Dishes Asian Chinese Healthy Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Free Summer Recipes

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Lactose 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Hunan Low Protein Healthy Appetizers Fruit Asian Chinese Dinner Party Vegan Vegetarian Dietary Spicy Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Calorie Low Carb Inexpensive Egg Free Healthy 2 Free Of Something Low In Something Taste Mood