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Dumpling and Smashed Cucumber Salad With Peanut Sauce

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This Dumpling and Smashed Cucumber Salad with Peanut Sauce combines crispy dumplings, crunchy cucumbers, and a rich, flavorful peanut sauce. A quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or as a party appetizer, bursting with umami and textures!

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Boiling
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Peanut Sauce:

⅓ cup smooth peanut butter (well stirred)

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

½ cup just-boiled water (or more as needed)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons chile crisp or oil (adjust to your liking)

For the Salad:

6 Persian cucumbers

Salt (for salting cucumbers)

Vegetable oil or other neutral oil

1 pound frozen potsticker dumplings (not thawed)

A big handful of cilantro (for garnish)

Toasted white sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts (for topping)

Chile crisp or chile oil (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, garlic, and just-boiled water.

Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chile crisp. Whisk until smooth. Set aside to thicken.

Prepare the Cucumber Salad:

Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice into 2-inch lengths.

Smack the cucumbers with a chef’s knife or rolling pin until they break apart slightly.

Tear or cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.

Place cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

Cook the Dumplings:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.

Add the frozen dumplings, flat side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes until browned.

Add ¼ cup of water, cover the pan, and cook until water evaporates (3-4 minutes).

Continue cooking the remaining dumplings in batches.

Serve:

Divide cooked dumplings among plates.

Spoon smashed cucumbers on top, drizzle with peanut sauce, and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, or roasted peanuts.

Add chile oil/crisp for extra heat if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Heat Level: Adjust the chile crisp or oil to make the dish milder or spicier.

Dumplings: Substitute frozen potstickers with any type of dumpling you prefer.

Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian dumplings and ensure the peanut sauce is free from animal products.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/dumpling-and-smashed-cucumber-salad-with-peanut-sauce/