The Smashed Cucumber Pickles from Japan everyone should try.

rice vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option, while canola oil is more affordable.

Wash the exterior of the cucumbers and dry them off.

Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Place the cucumber cut side down and smash with the flat of a knife to crack the skin.

Break the cucumbers apart into quarters and cut into roughly 2-inch long pieces.

Remove the skin from a 2-inch piece of ginger using a spoon and thinly slice it.

Cut off a 4-inch square of kombu (about 10 grams).

Prepare a 3% brine by adding 1,000 grams of water and 30 grams of salt in a container and stir to dissolve.

Add the bashed cucumbers, kombu, sliced ginger, and red chili flakes to the brine and mix briefly.

Cover the vegetables with plastic wrap to keep them submerged and add a lid, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours.

After 24 hours, remove the cucumbers from the brine; they should taste well salted and savory.

Toast 25 grams of sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until darker but not burnt.

Transfer the toasted seeds to a mortar and pestle and crush lightly until coarse.

In a bowl, combine 20 grams of soy sauce with the crushed sesame seeds and mix.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the cucumbers from the brine and toss them with the soy sauce and sesame mixture before serving.

For a quick 10-minute version, wash and dry the cucumbers, slice in half, scoop out seeds, and smash as before.

Weigh the cucumbers and add 1.5% salt and 0.5% MSG based on the weight (for 400 grams, use 6 grams of salt and 2 grams of MSG).

Mix the cucumbers with the salt and MSG and let sit to draw out excess water.

Prepare ginger and red chili flakes as before, toast sesame seeds, crush, and mix with soy sauce.

Drain excess water from the cucumbers and toss them with the prepared mixture before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary