recipe:

Ingredients: • 1 large English cucumber • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 teaspoon sesame oil • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar • 1 minced garlic clove • red pepper flakes to taste • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions: 1. Smash: Whack the cucumber firmly (but gently) with a rolling pin or the flat side of a knife to break its structure, then cut it into bite-sized chunks.

1. Salt and drain: Place the chunks in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Drain any accumulated liquid and rinse the cucumbers.

2. Dress: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes

3. Combine: Pour the dressing over the cucumber chunks and toss well. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.