Crispy Cucumber ‘Tang Tang Yi’ (Korean Smashed Cucumber Salad)
Chef Kim Ga-yeon’s ‘Tang Tang Yi’ Cucumber: A Refreshing Chinese-Style Cucumber Side Dish Recipe from Pyeonstaurant
Experience the ultimate refreshing side dish that awakens your palate, especially during warmer months! ‘Oyi Tang Tang Yi’ is a traditional Korean cucumber dish where fresh cucumbers are gently smashed with a mallet to enhance their natural aroma and texture. Enjoy the purely refreshing, crisp texture and fragrant flavor of the cucumber itself. This simple yet deeply flavorful recipe is sure to add vibrancy to your dining table!
Cucumber Preparation- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for washing cucumbers)
Spicy & Sweet Tang Tang Yi Dressing- 1 Tbsp fine salt
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp double-strength vinegar
- 2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp fine salt
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp double-strength vinegar
- 2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to remove any bitterness and thoroughly clean the cucumbers, rub them generously with 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt. Treat it like a scrub, then rinse well under running water for extra freshness.
Step 2
After washing, trim off both ends of the cucumbers. Then, cut each cucumber lengthwise into two equal halves. Repeat this once more, so you have four equal wedges per cucumber.
Step 3
If you prefer a smoother texture and don’t like the bumpy ridges on the cucumber skin, use a vegetable peeler to remove strips of the skin in between the ridges. This will make the cucumber softer. Feel free to peel the entire skin if you prefer.
Step 4
Cut the lengthwise halves in half again, creating bite-sized pieces. Next, place the cucumber pieces into a large plastic bag, ensuring they don’t overlap. This will help in smashing them evenly.
Step 5
Now it’s time to smash the cucumbers! Using a rubber mallet or the back of a knife, gently tap the cucumbers inside the plastic bag. Be careful not to smash them too hard, as they might turn mushy. The goal is to hear a light ‘tang tang’ sound as the cucumber’s texture is slightly broken.
Step 6
Once smashed, remove the cucumbers from the bag. If they are still too large, cut them into more manageable, bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces into a large bowl, ready for the dressing.
Step 7
Now let’s prepare the delicious dressing that will make the cucumbers truly shine! In the bowl with the cucumbers, add 1 tablespoon of fine salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1.5 tablespoons of double-strength vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of crushed toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together to coat the cucumbers evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference – add more salt if it’s too bland, or more vinegar if you like it tangier.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and toss once more. Your delicious ‘Oyi Tang Tang Yi’ is now ready! Enjoy this incredibly crisp and refreshing cucumber dish.
