Smacked Cucumber 🥒🥢🌶️

Smacked Cucumber, also known as “Smashed Cucumber Salad,” is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s a staple in Chinese cuisine and adored around the world. With a perfect balance of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this cold appetizer is quick to prepare and delivers a burst of savory, tangy, and spicy notes in every bite. It’s light, healthy, and incredibly addictive — a must-try dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. 🧄🔥

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Why Everyone Loves It ❤️

1. Crisp and Refreshing
   Smacking the cucumbers creates more surface area for soaking up bold flavors.
2. Easy and Fast
   No cooking required — ready in 10 minutes.
3. Flavor-Packed
   Garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili bring vibrant taste with every crunch.
4. Healthy Side Dish
   Low-calorie, hydrating, and full of nutrients.
5. Versatile Pairing
   Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, noodles, or rice dishes.

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Ingredients 📝

• 2 large cucumbers 🥒
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp soy sauce 🧂
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar 🍚
• 1 tsp sesame oil 🛢️
• ½ tsp sugar
• 1 fresh red chili or chili flakes 🌶️
• Sesame seeds for garnish 🌱
• Fresh herbs (optional)

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Instructions 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

1. Smack Cucumbers
Place cucumbers on a cutting board and smack with a rolling pin or flat knife side. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. Salt and Drain
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit 10 minutes. Drain excess water.

3. Mix Sauce
Combine garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili in a bowl.

4. Toss and Chill
Toss cucumbers in sauce. Chill 10–15 minutes for flavor infusion.

5. Garnish
Top with sesame seeds and herbs. Serve cold.

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Variations 🔄

• Add crushed peanuts or Sichuan peppercorns 🌰
• Use black vinegar for extra depth 🍶
• Add a splash of chili oil for more heat 🌶️

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Perfect Pairings 🍽️

• Grilled meats 🍖
• Noodle bowls 🍜
• Dumplings 🥟

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Final Crunch 💥

Smacked Cucumber is bold, refreshing, and bursting with flavor — a quick, easy dish that’s perfect for any meal. Light, zesty, and irresistibly crunchy. 🥒🥢🌶️✨

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