Source: Myviewpoint, AdobeStockAsia has given us many unusual, yet long-popular appetizers. For example, smashed cucumbers are a true find during fresh vegetable season and a delicious alternative to our usual pickles. Smashed cucumbers are especially good with shashlik, steaks, and other meat dishes. We're sharing 8 of the best recipes on how to prepare them!
1. Chinese Smashed Cucumbers
Source: fb.ruYou can adjust the amount of chili to your liking.
You will need: 10-12 cucumbers, 2 chili peppers, 4 cloves of garlic, 6 sprigs of cilantro, 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 3-4 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt.
Preparation: Wash and dry the cucumbers, cut them into sticks, and place them in a bag. Lightly smash the cucumbers with a mallet or rolling pin until they crack, but don't turn into mush.
Finely chop the chili, garlic, and cilantro. Mix all ingredients and refrigerate the appetizer for half an hour. Before serving, you can sprinkle the smashed cucumbers with sesame seeds.
2. Korean Smashed Cucumbers
Source: cont.wsThe peculiarity of the Korean recipe is the use of spicy gochujang pepper paste.
You will need: 10-12 cucumbers, 6 cloves of garlic, 6 tbsp soy sauce, 6 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp rice or apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp gochujang pepper paste, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 4 tbsp sesame seeds.
Preparation: Lightly smash, slice, and salt the cucumbers. Let them sit for 10 minutes. Mince the garlic, thoroughly mix all ingredients from the recipe, transfer the smashed cucumbers to a container, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
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3. Smashed Cucumbers without Chili
Source: dzen.ruA less spicy variation for those who prefer milder appetizers.
You will need: 400 g cucumbers, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, herbs, sesame seeds.
Preparation: Cut the cucumbers in half, lightly smash them, and slice them into sticks. Mince the garlic and mix everything with soy sauce, oil, and apple cider vinegar. Refrigerate the smashed cucumbers for half an hour to infuse, then sprinkle them with sesame seeds and chopped herbs.
4. Smashed Cucumbers with Rice Vinegar
Source: ovkuse.ruA little sugar will make the cucumber flavor even more complex, yet harmonious.
You will need: 1 kg cucumbers, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 chili pepper, 1 bunch of herbs, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 4 tbsp sesame oil, 4 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, chili flakes.
Preparation: Smash the cucumbers using any convenient method and cut them into large sticks. Mince the garlic, chili, and herbs. Thoroughly mix all ingredients, place the smashed cucumbers in a container, and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.
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5. Smashed Cucumbers with Cilantro and Cashews
Source: pinterest.comSweet cashews fit perfectly here!
You will need: 800 g cucumbers, 150 g roasted cashews, 6 cloves of garlic, 1 bunch of cilantro, 100 ml soy sauce, 100 ml rice vinegar, 100 ml sesame oil, 50 ml vegetable oil, 15-20 g sugar.
Preparation: Cut the cucumbers lengthwise, smash them, and slice them into sticks. Mince the garlic and cilantro, chop the cashews. Thoroughly mix all ingredients, add fresh or dried chili pepper if desired, and let the appetizer infuse for a while.
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6. Lightly Salted Smashed Cucumbers
Source: dzen.ruAn original blend of different culinary traditions.
You will need: 500 g cucumbers, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 bunch of dill, 0.5 tbsp salt, 0.5 tbsp sugar.
Preparation: Cut the cucumbers into large sticks, place them in a bag, and gently smash them until they crack. Add minced garlic, dill, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly, tie the bag, and leave it on the table for half an hour, then refrigerate for another half an hour.
7. Smashed Cucumbers with Spices
Source: youtube.comSave this recipe and try making it in your own kitchen.
You will need: 15 cucumbers, 1 head of garlic, 1 chili pepper, 8 tbsp soy sauce, 6-8 tbsp rice vinegar, 4 tbsp sesame or vegetable oil, 2 tsp sugar, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground red pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander.
Preparation: Cut the cucumbers lengthwise, smash them, and cut them into large pieces. Mince the garlic and chili. Mix oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and all spices. Combine the ingredients, mix again, and refrigerate the smashed cucumbers for half an hour to infuse.
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8. Smashed Cucumbers with Peanuts
Source: pinterest.comThis is a complete Korean-style cucumber salad!
You will need: 800 g cucumbers, 4 cloves of garlic, 1-2 chili peppers, 3 tbsp peanuts, 4 sprigs of cilantro, 80 ml rice vinegar, 50 ml soy sauce, 20 ml sesame oil, 1 tbsp salt.
Preparation: Wash, dry, smash, and coarsely chop the cucumbers. Salt them, pour rice vinegar over them, and leave them at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then drain the marinade – it is no longer needed. Mince the garlic, cilantro, chili, and peanuts. Add this mixture to the smashed cucumbers, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, mix, and let the appetizer infuse for a little longer.