Smashed Sesame Cucumber Salad

Hey cucumber lovers out there!!!

Cucumbers are one of my all time favorite flavors of summer. This recipe is light, refreshing, and infuses the perfect amount of sesame, heat, and don't forget the crunch. Warning! This dish is addictive and you may have a hard time sharing.

Ingredients

• 6 mini cucumbers

• 2 garlic (smashed and minced)

• 1 T. toasted sesame seeds

• 1 tbs. sugar

• 1/4 tbs. salt

• 1 tsb. red pepper or gochugaru

• 1 tbs. rice vinegar

• 1/2 tbs. GF soy sauce

• 1 tbs. sesame oil

• cilantro (optional)

Step 1

Why smash the cucumbers? Smashing the cucumbers helps to release the cucumbers natural flavor (similar to smashing garlic).

Wash and cut the ends off of the cucumbers. Cut the cucumbers into 1 inch pieces. Lay on the side and cut them in half. Now smash them, seeds facing down. Smashing them will cause them to split down the center so go ahead and pull them apart.

Step 2

Sprinkle the cucumbers with a couple pinches of salt and toss.

Let them sweat for about 30 minutes.

Then use a strainer to drain the liquid.

Step 3

Now that you have drained the cucumbers, add the rest of the ingredients.

(garlic, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, gochugaru, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil)

Finely chop a handful of cilantro and add to the bowl.

Now mix.

I like to serve them right away.

Not spicy enough for you? Add a little more #gochugaru!

Enjoy!