China · Pai Huang Gua
Chinese Smashed Cucumbers
A refreshing Chinese cucumber salad with a punchy garlic, vinegar and sesame dressing.
AI-generated illustrative image; presentation may vary.
Ingredients
- 2 English or 4 Persian cucumbers
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ tbsp Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt, plus more for draining
- Chili oil and toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Trim the cucumber ends. Lay cucumbers on a board and gently smash with the flat side of a cleaver or rolling pin until cracked.
- Tear or cut into bite-size pieces. Toss with a little salt and let sit for 5 minutes, then drain excess liquid.
- Mix garlic, black vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar in a bowl.
- Toss cucumbers with dressing until coated.
- Finish with chili oil and sesame seeds if desired; serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking tip
Smashing creates rough edges that hold the dressing. Adjust salt after adding soy sauce.
Helpful kitchen tools
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- Rolling pin — Use to gently crack the cucumbers before dressing.
- Small mixing bowl — Handy for whisking garlic, vinegar and sesame dressing.
Choose equipment you already own whenever possible.