Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

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Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Original Source: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a35472276/smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe/

• FOR THE CHILI OIL

  • 1/2 cup avocado oil (original recipe had canola oil, which I do not use)

  • 1" piece ginger, minced (I used 1 1/4 tsp of ground ginger)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 Tbsp. ground chilis (Chili Powder)

  • 2 tsp. ground Szechuan peppercorns (I used regular black peppercorns)

  • 1 Tbsp. white sesame seeds

  • 1/2 tsp. MSG (I have heard bad thinks about MSG, I substituted some Soy Sauce)

  • 1/4 tsp. Kosher salt 

• FOR THE CUCUMBERS

  • 6 Persian cucumbers

  • 3 cloves garlic, grated

  • 2 Tbsp. chili oil (See above, this is the chili sauce you are making.)

  • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil

  • 1/2 tsp. MSG (Again, I have heard bad thinks about MSG, I substituted an Soy Sauce)

  • Kosher salt

• Make Chile Oil

  • In a small pot, heat oil until starting to smoke, then remove from heat. 

  • Meanwhile, in a medium heatproof bowl or jar, whisk to combine all other ingredients. Slowly pour hot oil over the spices, letting it sizzle through evenly, streaming gradually and carefully to control the overflow. Whisk to incorporate fully and let cool completely.

  • You will only use 2 Tbsp on the cucumber salad, You can store the rest for another time.

• Prepare Cucumbers and make salad

  • Cut each cucumber into three pieces, then use the flat size of your knife (I used the flat side of my meat tenderizer) to smash each piece into two craggy halves.

  • In a large bowl, toss smashed cucumbers with chili oil, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce until evenly combined, then season with salt to taste.

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