Broken cucumbers with balsamic vinegar

4 servings

15 minutes

Crushed cucumbers with balsamic vinegar are a spicy and refreshing dish from Chinese cuisine, perfect for hot days. Historically, this salad originated in China as a way to make fresh cucumbers more flavorful and rich. Crushing the cucumbers with a mallet or rolling pin not only gives them an interesting texture but also allows them to absorb the sauce's flavor better. The combination of the freshness of cucumbers with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, the spiciness of garlic, and the delicate aroma of sesame seeds creates a vibrant flavor contrast. It is ideal as a side dish for meat dishes or as a standalone snack. The ease of preparation and rich taste make this salad a favorite among Asian cuisine enthusiasts.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 220.8
• Proteins: 4.4g
• Fats: 18.8g
• Carbohydrates: 8.5g

Ingredients

• Cucumbers: 5 pc
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Sesame seeds: 2 tbsp
• Olive oil: 3 tbsp
• Balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 3.5 tbsp
• Sugar: 0.5 tsp
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Ground red pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Wash the cucumbers, cut off the 'tails', and slice them in half lengthwise.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cucumbers: 5 piece

2. Then we will pound the cucumbers. To prevent them from splattering, it's better to put them in a plastic bag. We pound the cucumbers well with a meat mallet or rolling pin — they should crackle.

3. Now, using a sharp knife, we cut the beaten cucumber halves diagonally and place them in a bowl or salad dish.

4. Next, we prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl from the cucumbers, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
   • Soy sauce: 3.5 tablespoons

5. We add sesame seeds, sugar, red and black pepper to the sauce. We chop the garlic finely and also add it to the sauce.

   Required ingredients:

   • Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons
   • Sugar: 0.5 teaspoon
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Ground red pepper:  to taste
   • Garlic: 2 cloves

6. The sauce needs to be mixed and then poured over the cucumbers.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
   • Soy sauce: 3.5 tablespoons
   • Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons
   • Sugar: 0.5 teaspoon
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Ground red pepper:  to taste
   • Garlic: 2 cloves

7. Mix well again. The salad is ready! It can be eaten right away, or you can let it sit for 10 minutes to soak in better.