Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber “Tang Tang-i” Recipe
Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber “Tang Tang-i” Recipe
How to Make Refreshing Cucumber “Tang Tang-i” for a Summertime Side Dish
This dish, aptly named ‘Tang Tang-i’ (meaning ‘bang bang’), is made by tenderizing cucumbers with a blunt object. You can use anything hard at home like a liquor bottle, a rolling pin, or even a cleaver if you don’t have anything else. Being low in calories, cucumbers are a guilt-free choice for dieters, excellent for hydration during hot summer days, and make a perfect light snack to enjoy with a drink. Let’s introduce this delightful dish!
Main Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
Seasoning & Other Ingredients- 1-2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/4 Tbsp Salt
- 0.5 Tbsp Tuna Extract (or soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1-2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/4 Tbsp Salt
- 0.5 Tbsp Tuna Extract (or soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to thoroughly wash the cucumbers. Scrub them with coarse salt, or use a knife or vegetable peeler to gently scrape off any bumpy parts. The ends of cucumbers can sometimes be bitter, so thinly shaving them with a peeler will ensure a cleaner taste.
Step 2
Now it’s time to ‘tang tang’ (bang bang) the cucumbers! Place the cucumbers in a zip-top bag. Using a sturdy object from your kitchen such as a rolling pin, a wine bottle, or a thick glass bottle, gently but firmly tap the cucumbers. Be careful not to hit them too hard, as they can become mushy or too soft. If the cucumber is slightly crushed, you can gently press it with your hand to even out the tenderness.
Step 3
The cucumbers, after being struck with the blunt object, will naturally split in half and break into bite-sized pieces. You can enjoy them as they are, or for more uniform pieces, you can further cut them with a knife.
Step 4
If cutting with a knife seems like too much work, you can simply snap the cucumber pieces apart with your hands. This method not only looks natural and appealing but also helps to enhance the cucumber’s crisp texture.
Step 5
Now it’s time to mix in the delicious seasonings. In a bowl containing the prepared cucumbers, add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/4 tablespoon of salt, 0.5 tablespoon of tuna extract, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Step 6
Finally, add 1.5 tablespoons of sesame seeds to enhance the nutty aroma. Instead of adding the seeds whole, rubbing them between your hands or crushing them in a mortar or a bag will significantly deepen their flavor and fragrance.
Step 7
Once all the seasoning ingredients are added, gently mix the cucumbers with your hands, being careful not to mash them further. Toss them lightly until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Your refreshing and crisp Cucumber ‘Tang Tang-i’ is now ready! You can serve it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing experience.
