Daily Food

Chili Oil Smashed Cucumbers

Bonus for this recipe: you get to smash out a little bit of pent-up anger in the process! The resulting uneven, craggy texture of split cucumbers is perfect for grabbing and holding on to that delicious, seasoned oil.

Ingredients

FOR THE CHILI OIL

• 1/2 c. canola oil
• 1" piece ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp. ground chilis
• 2 tsp. ground Szechuan peppercorns
• 1 tbsp. white sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp. MSG
• 1/4 tsp. Kosher salt 

FOR THE CUCUMBERS

• 6 Persian cucumbers
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tbsp. chili oil
• 1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp. MSG
• Kosher salt

Directions

MAKE CHILI OIL

Step 1
In a small pot, heat oil until starting to smoke, then remove from heat. 

Step 2
Meanwhile, in a medium heatproof bowl or jar, whisk to combine all other ingredients. Slowly pour hot oil over the spices, letting it sizzle through evenly, streaming gradually and carefully to control the overflow. Whisk to incorporate fully and let cool completely.

PREPARE CUCUMBERS

Step 1
Cut each cucumber into three pieces, then use the flat size of your knife to smash each piece into two craggy halves.

Step 2
In a large bowl, toss smashed cucumbers with chili oil, sesame oil, and MSG until evenly combined, then season with salt to taste.