Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad | With Chilli & Sesame

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and cut off the ends. Place the cucumbers flat on a cutting board and gently crush ('smash') them with the flat side of a heavy chef's knife or a rolling pin until they crack open slightly.

Halve the crushed cucumbers lengthwise and cut into bite-sized, slightly diagonal pieces. Place in a bowl, mix well with 1 tsp fine table salt and let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then drain the released water.

In a small bowl, thoroughly mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp chilli flakes and the finely chopped garlic cloves for the dressing.