Cucumbers aren’t just for slicing in salads and the Smashed Cucumber
Salad especially makes that point, they’re the star of this popular
Chinese dish. The smashing (literally) process is a classic Chinese
technique that cracks the cucumber skins and helps release the seeds
and splits the flesh into chunky bites. Then salting and chilling gives
them the perfect crunch.
In Sichuan, China, cucumbers are considered a foil for many of the rich,
spicy dishes this province is known for.
Makes
4 servings
Total Time
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Ingredients
HALVE:
WHISK:
TOSS:
Test Kitchen Approved
Instructions
Halve cucumbers lengthwise,
remove seeds, and cut into
1–2-inch chunks. Place cucumbers
in a resealable plastic bag; smash
lightly with a meat mallet or rolling
pin just to break the skin. (Don’t
pulverize them.) Transfer cucumbers
to a colander set over a bowl, toss
with salt and 1 tsp. brown sugar,
and let stand 15–30minutes.
Whisk together lime zest and juice,
1 Tbsp. brown sugar, sambal, fish
sauce, and oil for the dressing.
Toss watermelon, shrimp, mint,
scallions, serrano, and cucumbers
with dressing; top with peanuts.
Test Kitchen Approved
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 282
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 21%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 115mg 38%
Sodium 1158mg 48%
% Daily Value*
Carbs 23g 7%
Protein 22g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
