cucumber 🥒

Ways to appreciate cucumber 🥒 

1. Spicy Smoked Salmon Sushi Cucumber Boat

Ingredients 

2 large cucumbers

2–3 Tbsp cream cheese, softened

1 cup cooked sushi rice (seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt)

4 oz smoked salmon, chopped

2 Tbsp Japanese mayo (Kewpie)

1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 Tbsp furikake (Japanese seaweed-sesame seasoning)

Instructions:

Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to form “boats.” Pat dry with paper towel.

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese inside each cucumber boat.

Press a layer of sushi rice on top of the cream cheese so it sticks.

In a bowl, mix smoked salmon, Japanese mayo, and sriracha until creamy. Spoon mixture evenly over the rice-filled boats.

Sprinkle with furikake. 

Enjoy chilled as a sushi-inspired appetizer or light meal.

2. Cucumber Salmon Rolls

Ingredients:

1 large English cucumber 

2–3 oz smoked salmon (thinly sliced)

3 tbsp cream cheese (softened)

1/2 ripe avocado, thinly sliced

Everything bagel seasoning (to taste)

Fresh dill or chives (optional garnish)

Instructions:

Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin ribbons. Pat slices dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.

Lay out a cucumber ribbon. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over it. Add a thin strip or small piece of smoked salmon. Add a slice of avocado.

Sprinkle a pinch of everything bagel seasoning.

Carefully roll the cucumber strip from one end to the other. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Top with extra bagel seasoning and herbs like dill or chives if desired.

Serve chilled.

3. Smashed Cucumber Salad 

Ingredients:

6-8 mini cucumber or 1 large cucumber

1/2 tsp salt

For the sauce:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp rice vinegar 

1 tbsp soy sauce 

1 tsp sugar 

1 tsp sesame oil 

2 tsp chili oil

2-3 fresh chilies mild or hot, cut thin slices 

1 tsp toasted sesame seeds 

Instructions 

Gently smash the cucumbers with the side of a knife or a rolling pin until they split open, which helps them absorb more flavour. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Place the cucumber pieces in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss well. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

In a small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, grated garlic, chili oil, and fresh chillies. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.

Drain the released liquid from the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.

Pour the prepared sauce over the cucumbers and toss everything until evenly coated.

Sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and enjoy!

4. Creamy Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/4 cup sour cream 

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder 

1 tbsp dill, chopped 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.