Crush Cucumbers Before Pickling Them for Quick, Flavorful Pickles
When you crave pickles, nothing else will do. Quick pickles can satisfy your cravings in minutes, but often lack the flavor of their cooked and chilled cousins. If you grind these cucumbers before pickling, you can get the best of both worlds.
The classic Chinese side dish, smashed cucumbers, pickles absorb pickled liquid more easily than their traditional slices, and offer a great combination of flavor and texture.
Place the cucumber on a sturdy cutting board and break it open with the flat side of a cleaver or other wide knife. Cut the chopped cucumber into pieces and season with salt. Then let it drain for about ten minutes before adding the pickled liquid (in this case, rice vinegar, chopped garlic, and sesame oil). You can eat them separately as a side dish, or toss them in salads for a delicious effect. acidity.
Smash Cucumbers for a Stunningly Simple Chinese Side Dish | Serious food