“Addictive” Cucumber Salad (Yamitsuki Kyuri)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the cucumbers on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the side of a heavy knife, bash and smash the cucumbers until they split and break into irregular, craggy chunks.

2. 2

   Tear or cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, toss the cucumber pieces with the kosher salt. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

   Start 15-minute timer
4. 4

   Drain any liquid that has accumulated in the bowl.

5. 5

   Add the grated garlic, toasted sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, chicken bouillon powder (or MSG/soy sauce), and sugar to the cucumbers.

6. 6

   Toss thoroughly to ensure the dressing gets into all the nooks and crannies of the smashed cucumbers.

7. 7

   Serve immediately or let sit for another 10 minutes for the flavors to meld further.

   Start 10-minute timer