Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing Chinese side dish made with crisp cucumbers tossed in a garlicky, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing.
Ingredients
For the cucumber salad
- 6 mini cucumbers
- Pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
For the dressing
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, or any high-smoking-point cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red finger hot pepper, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar, or other vinegar
Instructions
- To prepare the cucumbers, wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends. Using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin, gently smash each cucumber until it cracks. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer the cucumbers to a plate. Sprinkle with the salt and sugar, then let them rest for 10 minutes. Discard any liquid released from the cucumbers.
- To prepare the aromatics, in a heatproof bowl, combine the sesame seeds, garlic, and red chili pepper.
- To make the aromatic oil, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine the avocado oil and shallot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shallot is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Remove the shallot and increase the heat until the oil is smoking hot. Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic, sesame seeds, and chili.
- To make the dressing, add the soy sauce, sugar, and Chinkiang vinegar to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
- To assemble the salad, pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers. Add the cilantro and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Adjust the spice level: Use more or less chili depending on your preference.
- Customize the dressing: Add more garlic, vinegar, or chili to suit your taste.