Introducing the Smacked Cucumber – a simple yet vibrant vegan dish that's perfect for brightening up any meal. This recipe uses cucumber as the star ingredient, a vegetable that's in season and packed with Vitamin C. Known for its hydrating properties, cucumber is also a fantastic source of antioxidants, which help protect our cells from toxins and environmental damage. Regular consumption of Vitamin C supports immune function, promotes collagen production for healthy skin, and even contributes to stronger bones and blood vessels.

In this recipe, cucumber is transformed into something truly special with a unique blend of flavours and textures. The combination of salt, sugar, soy sauce, and a little heat from chilli oil creates a dish that's perfect as a side to Tofu Tikka Masala, Korean Noodles, or any other Asian-inspired cuisine. Ready to try this refreshing, tangy dish? Let's dive into how you can make your very own Smacked Cucumber!

Why You Should Make Smacked Cucumber

Cucumber is an often overlooked vegetable in many kitchens, but its versatility makes it the ideal base for a variety of dishes. Whether eaten raw, pickled, or lightly seasoned, cucumber adds a crisp and refreshing quality to your plate. The flavour is clean and mild, which allows it to pair well with a wide range of seasonings.

This recipe gives cucumber a delightful twist, turning it into a vibrant side dish with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy profile. The key to this dish is the technique of "smacking" the cucumber – essentially, you're breaking down the texture to allow the flavours to penetrate more effectively, making the cucumber pieces more absorbent.

In addition to being tasty, cucumbers are packed with health benefits. As mentioned, they’re rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for skin health, collagen production, and immune function. They’re also full of water, which helps to hydrate the body and maintain a balanced level of hydration throughout the day.

So, if you're looking to elevate your meal with something refreshing yet flavour-packed, Smacked Cucumber is a must-try!

Ingredients for Smacked Cucumber

To prepare your own batch of Smacked Cucumber, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber (ends trimmed)
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 tablespoon of finely grated garlic
• 2 tablespoons of caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon of tamari soy sauce (for a gluten-free version)
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar or mirin (sweetened rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons of chilli oil
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes (adjust to taste depending on your spice preference)

Method: How to Make Smacked Cucumber

Making this dish is quick and easy, and it doesn’t require any special culinary skills. Here's how to create your own Smacked Cucumber:

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Start by trimming the ends off your cucumber. Next, take a rolling pin (or any heavy object you have on hand) and gently smack the cucumber to split it open. The idea is to break down the texture so that the cucumber can absorb the flavours more easily. Once the cucumber is cracked, cut it into roughly 2.5 cm (1-inch) chunks. This will give the cucumber a manageable size for eating and allow the flavours to infuse.

2. Mix the Ingredients: Place the chopped cucumber pieces into a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl: sea salt, finely grated garlic, caster sugar, tamari soy sauce, rice vinegar (or mirin), chilli oil, sesame seeds, and chilli flakes. Toss everything together, making sure the cucumber is evenly coated in the seasonings.

3. Let It Rest: To get the best flavour, allow the cucumber to rest for at least 15–20 minutes after mixing. This gives the ingredients time to infuse into the cucumber, making it more flavourful and slightly tender.

4. Storage and Serving: The beauty of this dish is that it can be stored for up to a week in a glass jar, turning into a variation of pickles. If you prefer a crunchier, fresher texture, serve it immediately. Either way, it will be a hit on the dinner table.

This recipe serves 2–4 people as a side dish, though you can easily scale it up or down depending on how many you're serving.

Tips for the Perfect Smacked Cucumber

• Choose a Firm Cucumber: For the best results, choose a cucumber that's firm, with few seeds and a crisp texture. The cucumber should be fresh and without any soft spots.

• Adjust the Spice: The amount of chilli oil and chilli flakes you use can be adjusted depending on how much heat you like. If you're not fond of spice, you can reduce the chilli oil and leave out the chilli flakes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a little kick, feel free to add extra chilli flakes.

• Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavour, always opt for fresh garlic rather than garlic powder. The natural aroma and taste of freshly grated garlic will infuse the cucumber more effectively.

• Allow the Cucumber to Absorb Flavours: If you have time, let the cucumber sit for longer than the recommended 20 minutes. The flavours will deepen as they marinate, creating a more robust taste. If you're storing it for pickling, a day or two in the fridge will enhance the flavour even more.

• Add Other Vegetables: You can get creative by adding other vegetables to the mix. Try incorporating thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or even a bit of finely chopped spring onion for added texture and colour.

• Serve with Other Asian Dishes: This Smacked Cucumber pairs beautifully with Malaysian dumplings, Teriyaki gyoza, or even grilled meats and stir-fries. It can also serve as a tangy and refreshing accompaniment to a rice bowl or noodle dish.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This Smacked Cucumber makes for a perfect side dish that can be served immediately or stored for later. To store, simply place the cucumber in a sealed glass jar or airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will keep for up to a week, becoming a delightful quick pickle that's ready to add a punch of flavour to any meal.

Alternatively, serve it alongside your favourite main dish to brighten up the plate. The sweetness of the sugar balances the tanginess of the vinegar, while the garlic and chilli bring depth and heat to the cucumber, making it an ideal pairing for richer dishes like gyoza, dumplings, or even grilled meats. If you're preparing a larger spread, it’s also fantastic as part of a chilled appetiser platter.

Final Thoughts

Smacked Cucumber is a delightful dish that's not only delicious but also offers a host of health benefits. By simply smacking the cucumber to release its juices and combining it with a few key ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s bursting with flavour and perfect for complementing a variety of meals.

Whether you're serving it alongside Asian-inspired dishes like Korean Noodles or Vegan Thai Red Curry, or enjoying it as a refreshing snack on its own, Smacked Cucumber is sure to become a regular feature in your culinary repertoire. The simplicity and versatility of the recipe make it an easy and healthy option for any occasion.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try – and don’t forget to share your creation on Instagram! Tag us in your posts and let us know how it turned out. Enjoy the process of creating this flavour-packed, Vitamin C-rich dish, and watch it become a new favourite in your kitchen.

Happy cooking!