Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• cucumbers — 2 medium
• garlic — 3 cloves, minced
• rice vinegar — 2 tbsp
• soy sauce — 1 tbsp
• sesame oil — 1 tsp
• sugar — 1/2 tsp
• salt — 1/2 tsp + a pinch

Steps (beginner-friendly)

1. Lay each cucumber on a cutting board and smash it with the flat side of your knife (or a rolling pin) until it cracks open — this rough texture grabs the dressing.
2. Cut the smashed cucumber into bite-size chunks and place in a bowl.
3. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt over the chunks, toss, and let sit 5 minutes. This draws out water so the salad stays crunchy.
4. Pour off the water that collected in the bowl.
5. Add minced garlic, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
6. Toss well with your hands so every piece gets dressed.
7. Chill in the fridge 5 minutes (optional) and serve cold.