Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumbers
   Rinse the cucumbers and pat them dry. Place them on a cutting board and use the flat side of a cleaver or a rolling pin to smash them until they split open. Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks.
2. Salt the cucumbers
   Place the cucumber pieces in a colander and toss with the kosher salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This helps the cucumbers absorb the dressing better.
3. Drain the cucumbers
   After 10 minutes, use your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumber pieces. Transfer them to a mixing bowl and discard the drained liquid.
4. Make the dressing
   In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely.
5. Combine and serve
   Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers. Add the toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and ground Sichuan peppercorns (if using). Toss everything together to coat the cucumbers evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.