Smashed Cucumber Salad, Five Ways
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- Опубліковано 10 лип 2024
- Smashed Cucumber Salad is one of the easiest and most delicious side dishes. Whenever I can't think of what to make with a meal, it's my go-to solution. Here are five variations on the classic Smashed Cucumber Salad that'll have you covered for any situation. They're made with simple everyday ingredients and span multiple cuisines, from Chinese to Indian to Mediterranean. Make these part of your menu this summer!
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/ sheldoskitchen
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Smashed Cucumber
Serves: 2 people as a side dish
- 1 large English cucumber or 5-6 mini cucumbers (~350g)
- 1/2 tsp (3g) fine sea salt / table salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) sugar
1. Cut ends off cucumber. Use a rolling pin or other heavy object to smash the cucumber until it splits apart.
2. Trim into long strips if necessary. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Transfer to a bowl. Toss with salt and sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Drain off excess liquid before using in salad.
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The Classic (Tart & Garlicky)
- 1x Smashed Cucumber
- 1 tbsp (15g) vinegar (Chinkiang black vinegar, balsamic, rice, apple cider etc)
- 1 tsp (5g) soy sauce
- 1 tsp (4g) sesame oil
- 2 tsp (9g) chili oil
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- Large pinch MSG
- 2-3 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
1. Mix together all the sauce ingredients. Toss with cucumber. Garnish with sesame.
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The Scallion Oil (Savoury & Oniony)
- 1x Smashed Cucumber
- 3 scallions, finely chopped (divided: 2 in oil and 1 as garnish)
- 1 tbsp (9g) toasted sesame
- 1 clove garlic, grated or pressed
- 3 Thai chilis, finely chopped (1 whole, 2 w/ seeds removed. Sub: milder chili)
- 1/2 tsp (2g) sugar
- 1/4 tsp Sichuan peppercorn OR black pepper
- 2 tbsp (28g) neutral oil (vegetable, canola, etc)
- 1 tbsp (24g) oyster sauce
- 2 tsp (8g) sesame oil
- 1 tsp (5g) vinegar (any kind)
- 1 tsp (5g) soy sauce
1. To a heat-proof bowl, add 2 chopped scallions, sesame, garlic, chilis, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorn.
2. Add oil to a small pan. Heat on medium until the oil is just beginning to smoke. Immediately (and carefully) pour the hot oil over the ingredients in the bowl.
3. Add oyster sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir together until combined.
4. Toss with the cucumber. Garnish with the remaining scallion and more chili (if desired).
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Sheldo’s Special (Spicy & Nutty)
- 1x Smashed Cucumber
- 2 tbsp (32g) Chinese sesame paste OR peanut butter
- 2 tsp (8g) sesame oil
- 1-1/2 tsp (6g) sugar
- Large pinch MSG (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
- 2 tbsp (28g) chili oil (1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp sediment)
- 1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) vinegar (any kind)
- 1/3 cup (50g) roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup (15-20g) cilantro
1. Combine sesame paste/peanut butter, sesame oil, sugar, MSG, garlic, and chili oil. Stir to thin out the nut butter. Add soy sauce and vinegar. Stir together until smooth. Toss with cucumber.
2. Chop peanut and cilantro together until finely minced. Add 2/3 of the peanut/cilantro mix into the salad itself. Mix.
3. Garnish with the rest of the peanut/cilantro topping.
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“Raita” (Yogurty & Spiced)
- 1x Smashed Cucumber
- 1/4 tsp cumin seed, toasted & ground (sub: 1/4 tsp pre-ground cumin)
- 1/4 tsp coriander seed, toasted & ground (sub: 1/4 tsp pre-ground coriander)
- 3 tbsp (45g) yogurt
- 1 tbsp (15g) lemon or lime juice
- 1 tbsp (2g) chopped mint
- 1 tbsp (2g) chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) fine sea salt / table salt
- 2-3 tbsp (~15g) chopped red onion
1. Add whole cumin and coriander to a small pan. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the spices begin to smell fragrant, about 3 minutes. Grind into a fine powder w/ mortar & pestle or spice grinder.
2. Combine yogurt, the toasted spices, plus the rest of the ingredients. Toss with the cucumber. Garnish with additional mint & cilantro.
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The Greek (Fresh & Herby)
- 1x Smashed Cucumber
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, grated or pressed
- 2 tbsp (30g) lemon juice
- 4 tbsp (56g) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) fine sea salt / table salt
- 2-3 tbsp (~15g) chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup (~10g) roughly chopped mint
- 1/4 cup (~10g) roughly chopped dill
- Feta (optional)
1. Combine lemon zest, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Vigorously whisk until the dressing emulsifies, turning opaque and creamy.
2. Toss cucumber with the sauce. Add in red onion, cherry tomatoes, mint, and dill. Gently stir together. Serve with additional sprigs of dill and crumbled feta (if desired)
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Chapters
00:00 Five Smashed Cucumber Salads
00:38 Prep Cucumber
01:25 The Classic
02:10 The Scallion Oil
03:21 Sheldo's Special
04:31 The Raita
05:27 The Greek
06:22 Outro - Навчання та стиль
We miss you Sheldo! Please come back!
Amen
@@hughstinnette1771 me coming back to check in if he has posted anything yet :(
Agreed, these are my favorite cooking videos I’ve seen (a little better than Ethan chlebowski who I thought was a god)
Hey Sheldo - I just discovered your channel today. Please do make more videos. They're really well put together and you have a great presence. It looks like you stopped half a year ago. I really do hope you're doing okay.
I love the idea of remixing raita into a smashed cucumber salad. However, I'd highly recommend leaving the spices, especially the coriander, as a coarse powder. If you roast it gently and thoroughly and let it sit in the yogurt for a bit after crushing, the flavors will infuse but also leave amazing crunchy pockets of freshness that'll take the salad to the next level. Coriander especially will have a fresh citrusy flavor you'll want to shine through that becomes more floral and less fruity the finer its ground.
Cool thanks for the tip! The lil pops of lemony coriander sound lovely. I’ll try leaving the spices more coarse next time!
@@sheldoskitchen Miss your videos! Hope you are doing well and are happy ❤
@sheldoskitchen missing you so much!!! Loving your recipes!! 💖
I’m definitely going to make the Greek version for sure! I think I will also add some feta cheese on top for the salty pop. Thanks for sharing your amazing recipes!!😊
I dont normally leave comments but I just wanted to say the Sheldo's special is I think my favourite sauce ever. I've used it on cucumber, chicken, with rice and an egg. Love it! thank you so much for your amazing content
Hey Sheldo, any idea when we'll be getting more of your great videos? We miss you! I hope everything's okay!
I have made one of these every day this week for my extended family and they've all been a hit!! thank you for this perfect summer side!!!
The cucumber salads look so refreshing and delicious! I love the variety. I can't wait to make them.
hi!!! i started with the classic one bc i was in need of something fresh and light as a side dish and i loved it. i made the one with scallion infused oil yesterday and now i want to eat it every single day!!! i really enjoy watching your videos sheldo, youre just so professional in explaining things yet so cute and nice. this is my comfort channel on youtube and i want to make every recipe you post. greetings from Poland!
To my friend EL' Sheldo,
No matter how many times I watch your videos,
I am simply amazed how easy you make it look.
A born natural. Very well articulated and simplified videos.
We need you back my friend.
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.
Yes, Sheldo!! This looks amazing!! Thank you for sharing! 💕
Sheldo you are fantastic! I made scallion oil the other day and used leftovers to make your cucumber salad. WOW. Just fantastic.
Thank you so much
I made the Sheldo special, and the Galion version. Both were fabulous! I added a little more vinegar to the scallion version and it had such a nice refreshing pop. My nine-year-old, who swears he hates cucumbers, tried it and was a big fan, and came back for more. Thanks for the great recipes!
I happened to be looking up a recipe for stabilizing whip cream and found you. And I have enjoyed every single one of your videos (going to be trying a few of them in the future!). You are a delight to listen to and you have been such a big help. Thank you for your videos and I hope to see more in the future!
THANK YOU!!! I was searching for summer salad recipes, and lo and behold, Sheldo serves up some gold! So grateful to you for sharing your genius!
You are so welcome Matt!!! Hope you give some of these salads a try.
I could eat all of those! Thanks for sharing your cucumber salad recipes. Can't wait to try them, yum!!😊
Just discovered him today … see this video was 10 months ago…. Anyone know what happend ? His content is solid.
These all look so tasty! I’m definitely trying your ‘special’ version this week
I'm going to have to try a few of these, but especially the Sheldo’s Special. That looks SOOO good.
I've been eating a lot of cucumber lately and was starting to get burned out. I needed some inspiration and this was perfect. Thank you so much!
Cucumber salad is underrated. That Sheldos special looks fire, ima have to try it. And Greek, I haven’t made Greek cucumber salad enough.
Your recipes always end up delicious. I always make them when you release a new one and they are good.
Thank you for making the ingredients easy to find!!!
These look wonderful!! I'm trying them all! Cucumbers are coming on!!!!
A dream come true. Five different cucumber salads in one video. So easy, yet so delicious. 😋😋
I've been obsessed with cucumber salads this summer and this is perfect to mix up the flavors so it doesn't get boring. Thank you 🥰
Hope you enjoy Gracie! :)
I can’t wait to try ALL of these! I live in Texas so those last two seem like perfect summer salads. There is also a Mexican version you should check out; very refreshing and flavorful. Thanks for sharing!
Ooooh! These look so delicious! Looking forward to having a cucumber feast this summer.
❤ so that’s how restaurants do it! I had no idea that this cucumber salad are smashed. Thank you so much for sharing!❤
These past 2 years (during pandemic) my family and I have been consuming cucumber almost everyday. We believe that this is the safest veggies for gerd patient, it is delicious and I surely needed this recipe for variation!! It is good for saving money too. Thank you for making this tutorial sir. You're helping people surviving the economy collapse by eating right and on budget. Please do make more videos like this!
Amazing!! I'll have to try a couple of these this summer ❤
LOVE, LOVE LOVE your recipes! Made them All with wonderful results! My search for the ULTIMATE chocolate chip coolie is over. Basque cheesecake is over the top! The bang bang chicken is soooo YUMMY! All the recipes are superb! Thank you SO much! My family thinks I am a genius cook! 👩🍳
I'm of Swedish origins-I celebrate Midsommar-Summer Solstice. I often make a shrimp, cucumber, creme fraiche, green onion, dill salad. Smashing the cucumber instead of slicing it-Great Idea! Thanks.
Oh my goodness! I just made the Sheldo Special and served it with jasmine rice topped with a bit of furekake and a poached egg. Seriously best spicy cucumbers I’ve ever had! Yum! Thank so much for sharing. Don’t forget to check that Mexican version I mentioned in my earlier post!
Great work Sheldo
I can't wait to try these! Just added ingredients for scallion oil to my grocery list, thank you!
Hope you enjoyed the salad!
Love these ideas / recipes. Can't wait to try them
Let me know what you think if you do try them! :)
We eat tons of cucumbers. Never thought of smashing them. Thanks! 💙
Can't wait to try these with our homegrown cucumbers!!
I made a variation of the classic as a component of a spam musubi poke bowl. Threw it together when I needed a meal that didn't require a grocery run, and I had one single giant cucumber to work with. It was unreasonably tasty.
Every dish looks delicious!
Just in time for our Vancouver heat wave! Thanks, Sheldo!
Haha seriously!!! Not planning on turning the stove on this weekend.
it's too hot in Vancouver today so i picked the raita one to try first. it's delicious, cooling and refreshing.
I absolutely love cucumbers 🤤 I'm going to have to try these salads
Ugh these look delicious. I can't get the sesame peanut smashed cucumber salad out of mind after being introduced to it at a Sichuan restaurant i went to, so excited to try it myself
Love your channel! Keep it up!
Always delicious as usual 💜🙌🏽
Man I made the classic today and it was straight up crack. Thank you for the gateway drug!
You're very welcome!
I discovered your Channel only 3 weeks ago, we tried every version of your cucumber salad and LOVE it. Your way of explaining things is amazing and easy to follow.
Would really appreciate you coming back but wishing you the very best either way :)
You nailed this ! By far The most comprehensive recipe on the net 😎
I do have a request if you could share your recipe on Hainanese Chicken Rice on how to get the Perfect textured chicken without it being undercooked 🙏
Wow that was so useful and looked very appetising. Thank you.
You’re very welcome!
I want to use the first three sauces as substitutions for when I make hiyashi-chuka (perfect for hot summer days). Honestly, just making the smashed cucumber salad and then adding cool soba noodles and hiyashi chuka fixings would take any of these into full meal territory!
a sheldo upload! my weekend is made 😭🙏
That looks yummy 🤤
I bought 3 English cukes from Costco as I just needed one at the time, and was convenient. But with only the two of us, wanted to use them up before they spoiled. Well, I found my recipes! The "Sheldo Special will be my 1st dish. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hope you are doing well Sheldo, you have great content.
I also make mine with peanut butter! I was obsessed over peanut butter noodles a few months ago and then started making my sides with it too
You must be busy bro, I miss your videos. Going to make your potato buns for the 5th time this weekend. Been using dehydrated malt extract for beer making instead of sugar and they come out excellent *chef kiss.* Someone actually asked me to make them for their going away party this weekend. Hope you're having a great summer!
I love how each variation has the perfect combination of sweet, salty, sour, and umami (also spicy!!). Fricking flavour bombs!! My favourite is the Korean cucumber salad, oi-muchim, with Korean red pepper flakes, garlic, and sesame seeds. Spicy, nutty, and garlicky!
Ooo I love oi-muchim!!!! So simple and delicious. Thought about including it in the video but Maangchi already has a perfect recipe for it so I didn't bother hahaha.
@@sheldoskitchen I love that you mentioned Maangchi! Between her, Adam Liaw, and now you, I have a support system when my meals have just gotten too boring and are in dire need of flavor.
I want to make them all! 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤
SHELDO ▪︎ RECIPES ▪︎ YUM 😋
It's cucumber season here in Upstate NY, so I came to grab this. Realized hadn't seen a new vid from you. Hope all is well.
Damn bro really gone😢
Yum. Maybe this will convince my husband to like cucumbers!
Started making the traditional to go with some scrambled eggs. Realized I didn't have any chili oil so substituted 1 tsp of sirracha and 1 tsp of vegetable oil. Very tasty!
I love your salads and I love your smile. Best wishes from Germany😊😍
Thanks so much! 😊
mm good! 😋😋
I was looking for summer side dishes to go with grilled meats that are low-carb. These are perfect! Any suggestions for a low-carb substitution for oyster sauce?
Wow, the sheldo special is absolutely insane.
We make the classic. It's perfect
Yummmmmmmm 😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋 Thanks for sharing these recipes!!! ❤️
NEED to try your sheldo’s special sauce on a stir fry right now!!
It would be perfect for that!!!
I thought exactly the same thing! Or maybe a noodle sauce!!!
These are greeat, love them for summer BBQs
Your videos are amazing! I hope you come back and make more!!! :)
cucumbers!!
Hi Sheldo! I hope everything is well. I am eagerly awaiting new videos. Your recipes, content, and videos are all really great.
cried and screamed irl i can;t believe sheldo is gone :( oh... we miss you !!
Happy New Year
I want that green onion sauce on everything!
Sheldo’s comeback😤 i hope you’re doing good but please comeback! We need you
This video somehow wants to make me run to the store and come back with a lot of cucumbers. :)
Just made the sheldo special and it was awesome!
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
@@sheldoskitchen my home made chilli oil has some sechuan peppercorn in it of course, but maybe next time I'll add a little bit of freshly ground powder to this recipe as well.
Cant stand cucumbers but watching so i can make for my husband…i guess that’s love! Actually in watching this i thought i would love to see a similar video but with different base ingredients. Ex: boneless skinless chicken breast. It’s not sexy but such a common meat here in Canada and I would love to make it more delicious as we have probably 1x per week
Love the idea of jazzing up boneless skinless chicken breast! I'm planning a video on different things to make w/ rotisserie chicken as well!
Yummy! I have a question though. My son is allergic to sesame- any suggestions for substitutions that keep that same flavor profile?
Any kind of toasted nut would work! Just chop it up finely.
These look amazing. I do have a quick question please. Is it toasted sesame oil in the sauces that call for sesame oil? Thank you!
Yes it’s toasted! For all Asian recipes, toasted sesame oil is always the right choice.
hey love the video. one question i made the classic today and in your video the sauce is like saucey but mine is super liquid. does it just look like it or did i something wrong?
tastes great but its not realy coating the cucumber.
I put a ton of garlic in mine cause that's the way I like it. Garlic is a natural emulsifier which helps bind together water and oil. Emulsions are always thicker than its constituent parts (like how mayonnaise is thicker than oil or egg yolks). Having a thinner sauce is no problem and a lot of recipes for the "classic" version have a runnier sauce and it'll still flavour the cucumber. The key is having the garlic grated or pressed finely, otherwise roughly minced garlic will just all fall to the bottom.
@@sheldoskitchen Thanks a lot! well then i have to try it tomorrow again with more and finer garlic :)
Hoped to find the recipes in the description.
I’d double check lol
I have a love hate relationship with cucumbers, so i am cautiously optimistic about trying all of these
Give the recipe of sponge cake with cream frosting please
Sheldo what brand of chilli oil do you use?
My fav is by "CuiHong", their regular chili oil. One way to tell a good Sichuanese chili oil is to look at what base oil is used. An authentic one will be made with Rapeseed Oil. It's the oil of choice for all chili oils in Sichuan. It may be more rare to find than common chili oils made with veg or peanut oil. If you find one w/ Rapeseed, then you know for sure that it was manufactured in Sichuan.
Sheldo! I really miss your content. Are you planning on releasing any more videos?
I like how you often suggest subsiding for less frequent ingredients in north america or flavors that are often disliked (like hot peppers or cilantro).
I can’t wait for cucumber season 😅
Btw, when it is cucumber season I quickly don’t know what to do with that many fresh cucumbers. I only knew salads with lettuce, greek salads or the yogurt one. I’m very happy to have other options!
Hope you give some of the salads a try and that you enjoy!!! I eat so many cucumbers and it's usually mainly in salad form!
hey man hope you are doing well. take care of yourself!
Sheldo - I just made the peanut version. No pictures though as it disappeared pretty fast 😁 thanks from metro van
Hey Meg!!! So glad you enjoyed the salad. Cheers! And aren't you glad the heat didn't last for very long? I'm definitely enjoying the cooler weather while it lasts :)
I hope you are good Sheldo. Miss your videos, no new ones for 4 months? :(
Love the recipes! I miss when you jumped on screen after the intro
Please please help me find the actual product that you used for the chili oil in Sheldo’s special. I’m trying to cook for a dear friend.
When are you coming back with more videos?
Sheldo, are you coming back?
I just had this for dinner! How did youtube know?
Bro, this video is banging. You are the fucking man.