Asian Style Cucumber Spears Food

ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Mix 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl. Toss with 1 pound sliced Persian cucumbers, 2 sliced scallions, 1/4 cup cilantro, 2 tablespoons sliced pickled ginger, 1/2 finely chopped red jalapeno and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.

ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss with 1 pound thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 thinly sliced scallions, 1/2 minced red jalapeno, 2 tablespoons thinly sliced pickled ginger and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Top with more cilantro.

SPICY ASIAN CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Place cucumbers into a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let drain at least 30 minutes. Shake off excess liquid but don't rinse the cucumbers.
• Whisk soy sauce, sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hot chili oil, and red pepper flakes in a salad bowl. Stir in cucumbers to coat with dressing. Chill 2 to 3 hours before serving.

CHINESE SMASHED CUCUMBERS WITH SESAME OIL AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Rinse cucumbers and pat dry. Cut crosswise into pieces about 4 inches long. Cut each piece in half lengthwise.
• On a work surface, place a piece of cucumber (or several) cut side down. Lay the blade of a large knife flat on top the cucumber and smash down lightly with your other hand. The skin will begin to crack, the flesh will break down and the seeds will separate. Repeat until the whole piece is smashed. Break or slice diagonally into bite-size pieces, leaving the seeds behind.
• Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer and toss with a big pinch of salt and a big pinch of sugar. Place a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the cucumbers to serve as a weight and place the strainer over a bowl. Let drain 15 to 30 minutes on the counter, or in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine salt, sugar and rice vinegar. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in sesame oil and soy sauce.
• When ready to serve, shake cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with grapeseed or olive oil and toss. Add half the dressing, half the garlic and the red pepper flakes to taste, and toss. Keep adding dressing until cucumbers are well coated but not drowned. Taste and add more pepper flakes and garlic if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.

ASIAN-STYLE CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Place in a bowl the cubed cucumbers and kosher salt, toss to coat.
• Let stand for 1 hour at room temperature.
• Transfer to colander, rinse lightly under cold running water, drain, and place in a bowl.
• Prepare dressing: In a wok or heavy saucepan set over moderate heat, heat sesame oil until hot.
• Add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring 15 seconds.
• Add garlic, rice vinegar, and honey and stir-fry 30 seconds.
• Turn off heat, add cucumbers and toss to coat.
• Transfer to a bowl, let cool and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
• Cucumbers will keep for up to one week.