Kung Pao Cucumber Crunch a Spicy Smashed Salad
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a spicy cucumber salad that'll knock your socks off? I bet you do. This isn't your average boring salad. It's a flavour bomb of coolness and fire, perfect for summer.
Brief Overview
This Asian inspired salad takes its cues from Kung Pao flavours. It is super easy and only takes about 50 minutes total. The recipe makes four servings, ideal for sharing.
Main Benefits
This vegan cucumber salad is low carb and full of vitamins. It's great for a BBQ or a quick lunch. Honestly, it’s the fresh, zingy taste that makes it special!
Craving something new?
This Kung Pao Cucumber creation is so much fun to make! One time I was making it for my friend.
I accidentally added too much chili garlic sauce. The end result was so spicy it made my friend tear up.
I just call it Chili garlic cucumber salad
Getting Started: Crunchy, Spicy Goodness
You know? This smashed cucumber salad is all about texture and taste. Smashing the cucumbers lets them soak up the dressing like a sponge.
It's a game changer, trust me. The salad is full of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor.
Why smashed cucumber salad ? Smashed cucumbers absorb the tangy, savory, and slightly sweet dressing, creating a salad that's both intensely flavorful and surprisingly light. It's a winner, darling, I tell ya!
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Don't be scared by the name. This cucumber salad recipe is dead easy. Think 20 minutes of prep and no cooking.
Then, let it chill for half an hour, if you can wait that long. You can have a quick cucumber salad in no time.
What Makes This Salad So Special?
It is so much more than refreshing summer salad . The combination of peanut , chili, garlic, and fresh cucumbers? Just magical.
This spicy side dish goes perfectly with almost anything. I will make sure it makes you wanting more.
Time to Gather Your Bits and Bobs!
Right then, let’s talk ingredients and equipment for this spicy cucumber salad . Honestly, it’s all pretty straightforward. No need for fancy chef gear here! We want to make a quick cucumber salad , not climb Everest.
Ready to dive in?
Main Ingredients The Stars of the Show
These are your core components. Get the best you can find!
- Cucumbers: 2 large English cucumbers ( 1.5 lbs / 680g ). Look for firm cucumbers, no soft spots. The darker green, the fresher they normally are.
- Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup / 60ml . Essential for that tangy zing!
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons / 30ml (low sodium). Nobody needs extra salt, right?
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon / 15ml . Adds that nutty Asian inspired salad flavour.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon / 15ml (or maple syrup for a vegan cucumber salad ).
- Chili Garlic Sauce: 1 teaspoon / 5ml (Sriracha or Sambal Oelek). Adjust to your heat tolerance!
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Fresh is best!
- Ginger: 1/2 inch / 1cm piece, grated. Adds a little warmth.
- Peanuts: 1/4 cup / 25g roasted, chopped. Go for unsalted if you can.
- Cilantro: 2 tablespoons / 10g chopped. Coriander if you're posh!
- Green Onion: 1 thinly sliced. Adds a bit of a bite.
Seasoning Sensations Flavor Power!
This is where the magic happens to make a great Kung Pao Cucumber dish!
- Essential Spice Combo: Chili garlic sauce, ginger, and sesame oil create a delicious base. It's like a flavour party in your mouth!
- Flavor Enhancers: Rice vinegar brightens everything up. Fresh garlic and ginger add depth.
- Quick Subs: No chili garlic sauce? Try a pinch of red pepper flakes plus a little garlic powder. Maple syrup works instead of honey. I’ve even used a bit of brown sugar in a pinch. It does change the flavour slightly, though.
Essential Kit No Fuss, Just Food
Don’t overthink it! You likely have everything already!
- Cutting Board: For chopping cucumbers, obviously!
- Rolling Pin: For smashing cucumbers. This is key for a smashed cucumber salad !
- Large Bowl: For mixing it all together.
- Small Bowl: For the dressing.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: Get it accurate, yeah?
Alright, sorted. Let's get to work on this chili garlic cucumber salad and enjoy it as a refreshing summer salad . You will be thrilled to make it! You won't regret it!
Kung Pao Cucumber: The Smashed Salad Sensation
Alright, let's talk spicy cucumber salad . Forget boring salads, yeah? This Kung Pao Cucumber Crunch is a right flavour bomb.
Think refreshing, crunchy, and packing a sneaky chilli punch. It's a game changer. Honestly, I could eat this every day. It's a quick cucumber salad and perfect spicy side dish for anything coming off the BBQ.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Matters
First things first, get organized! Chop your 1/4 cup roasted peanuts , slice that 1 green onion . Mince 1 clove of garlic .
Grate 1/2 inch of ginger . Get everything ready. This mise en place malarkey really does make life easier. It's all about saving time! Oh, and watch those fingers, yeah? Safety first with those knives!
Smashed, Not Mashed: The step-by-step
- Smash those cucumbers! Gently whack 2 large English cucumbers with a rolling pin. You want cracks, not mush.
- Chop and salt. Roughly chop those babies and sprinkle with salt. Leave for 15 minutes to drain in a colander. Nobody likes a soggy salad.
- Whip up the dressing. Whisk together 1/4 cup rice vinegar , 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 1 tablespoon sesame oil , 1 tablespoon honey , 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce , minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust the chilli according to your taste, you don't want it hot to handle .
- Combine and toss. Squeeze any excess water from the cucumbers. Toss with the dressing.
- Add the toppings. Toss in those 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro , chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions.
- Chill (optional). For best flavour, chill for at least 30 minutes . This allows the flavours to really meld.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Want to really nail this Asian inspired salad ? First, don't over smash the cucumbers! Chunky is good. Secondly, the salting and draining step is crucial.
It stops the smashed cucumber salad from being watery. You could even make the dressing ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days .
So there you have it! A super easy and refreshing summer salad that is also great as a vegan cucumber salad .
I reckon you will find this a game changer. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Now, go get smashing!
Recipe Notes for Your Spicy Cucumber Salad
Alright, so you're about to make this spicy cucumber salad . Ace! Before you do, let's chat about some things that'll make it even better. This Cucumber Salad Recipe is super adaptable.
Serving Up Some Style
- Plating and Presentation Ideas . Presentation matters, right? Try arranging your Asian inspired salad on a pretty plate. A sprinkle of extra peanuts and cilantro makes it pop. Or, serve it in individual bowls for a posh touch.
- Sides and Sips . What to serve with this bad boy? It's fab with grilled chicken or fish. Think about some rice on the side! As for drinks, I reckon an ice-cold beer or a crisp white wine would be spot on. If you want non-alcoholic drink, then go with green tea.
Storage Savvy
- Refrigeration 101 . Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container. This refreshing summer salad is best enjoyed within two days. Honestly, it won't last longer. It becomes a bit soggy.
- Freezing? Nah . Freezing isn't really recommended, mate. Cucumbers get all weird and watery when thawed. Not ideal!
- Reheating Lowdown . No reheating needed! This Quick Cucumber Salad is a cold dish. Just grab it from the fridge and tuck in.
Remixing the Recipe
- Vegan Vibes . Making this vegan is easy peasy. Just swap honey for maple syrup or agave. Boom! Vegan cucumber salad achieved.
- Seasonal Swaps . Feeling adventurous? In winter, add some pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. During autumn, maybe some toasted pumpkin seeds! I always use the ingredients that are in season.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
- Simplified Stats . Okay, quick breakdown. One serving is roughly 150 calories. It's a decent source of vitamins and minerals. Not bad for a salad.
- Health High Five . Cucumbers are mostly water, so they're super hydrating. Plus, the chili garlic sauce gives your metabolism a little kick. Yay for spice!
So there you have it! Loads of tips to make your Kung Pao Cucumber salad even more scrumptious. I'm telling you, this spicy side dish is gonna be a hit.
Now go on, get smashing those cucumbers! It is the best way to get a Smashed Cucumber Salad . And remember, a dash of extra chili garlic cucumber salad never hurt anyone! You know? Just go for it! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is this spicy cucumber salad, really? I'm a bit of a lightweight when it comes to heat!
The heat level of this spicy cucumber salad is totally adjustable! The recipe calls for chili garlic sauce, but you can start with a tiny amount (like ¼ teaspoon) and taste as you go.
If you're still worried, serve it with a dollop of plain yoghurt or sour cream to cool things down a classic move, like a cuppa after a spicy curry!
Can I make this spicy cucumber salad ahead of time? I'm prepping for a BBQ and want to get as much done in advance as possible.
Absolutely! In fact, chilling the spicy cucumber salad for at least 30 minutes (or even a couple of hours) really allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. However, bear in mind that the cucumbers might release a bit more liquid as they sit, so you might want to drain off any excess dressing before serving.
Nobody wants a soggy bottom!
I'm allergic to peanuts. What can I substitute for the peanuts in this spicy cucumber salad recipe?
No worries, mate! You can easily swap out the peanuts for another type of nut, like cashews or almonds. Roasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds also add a lovely crunch and nutty flavour.
Just be sure to check the labels of any substitutes to avoid cross contamination if your allergy is severe, wouldn't want any kitchen nightmares!
Why do I need to "smash" the cucumbers for this spicy cucumber salad? Seems a bit violent!
Smashing the cucumbers is key to this recipe! It creates more surface area for the dressing to cling to, and it also breaks down the cell structure, making the cucumbers more tender and able to absorb the flavours better.
It's not about brute force; just a gentle whack with a rolling pin will do the trick, think of it as kitchen therapy!
I don’t have rice vinegar. Can I use another type of vinegar for the spicy cucumber salad?
Yes, you can! Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are good substitutes, but they tend to be a bit more acidic than rice vinegar. Use slightly less (start with ¾ of the amount called for in the recipe) and taste as you go, adjusting as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavours, like a proper cocktail mixing session.
Kung Pao Cucumber Crunch A Spicy Smashed Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
