Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients for about 6 portions:

2 English cucumbers (about 1 1/2 pounds total weight)

1 teaspoon granulated white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed

2 garlic cloves, finely crushed

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

(or regular rice vinegar with an extra pinch of salt and sugar)

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

red pepper flakes, to taste

toasted sesame seeds to garnish

Wrap cucumber in plastic and smash cucumber. Cut cucumber in pieces; sprinkle sugar and salt all over to draw out moisture.

Place chopped pieces in a sieve, over bowl and place in the fridge for 45 mins.

Prepare dressing in a bowl:

Mix garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and red paper flake

Mix cucumber in the dressing and place in the fridge for 30 mins and before eating, sprinkle with sesame seed.