Best Easy Garlic Cucumber Recipe

Smashed cucumber is dressed with raw garlic, soy sauce, and chili oil for a pungent, refreshing side. This fresh, vegetarian dish is ultra low calorie and perfect for weight loss or 1200 calorie family plans.

Cook 15 min Difficulty EASY 55 kcal
#vegetarian #low carb #weight loss #refreshing side #quick salad
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • English cucumber 2 pieces
  • Garlic cloves 3 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • Chili oil 1 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar 2 tsp
  • Sugar 1 tsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 6 g 44%
Protein 2 g 15%
Fat 3 g 41%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut off both ends.

  2. 2

    Lay cucumbers on a board and smash them gently with the flat side of a knife until they split, then tear or cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle cucumbers with salt, toss well, and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

  4. 4

    Mince garlic finely. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, chili oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves.

  5. 5

    Pat cucumbers dry with paper towels, then combine with the sauce. Toss thoroughly and serve immediately, or chill for deeper flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Garlic Cucumber recipe?
The key ingredient is fresh English cucumber, which provides the crisp texture and refreshing base of the dish. Combined with raw garlic, it gives the salad its signature pungent and lively flavor.
Q. How do I prevent the cucumbers from turning soggy?
After smashing and cutting the cucumber, be sure to salt the pieces and let them drain for about 10 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture, ensuring the cucumbers remain crisp and prevent a watery salad.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each 120g serving contains about 55 kcal, with 6g carbohydrates (44% of calories), 2g protein (15%), and 3g fat (41%). This makes it an excellent low-calorie and low-carb side dish.
Q. How much garlic should I use for the best flavor?
Use 3 cloves of raw garlic, finely minced, for a pungent and aromatic dressing. This amount balances the bite of garlic with the cooling cucumber without overwhelming the palate.
Q. Is this Garlic Cucumber Recipe suitable for vegetarians and low-carb diets?
Yes, this recipe contains only plant-based ingredients and is completely vegetarian. With just 6g net carbs per serving and low calories, it's also suitable for most low-carb and weight loss meal plans.
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