When it comes to refreshing, light and flavourful side dishes, this Chinese smashed cucumber salad is my go-to dish to make. I love that it’s so refreshing and crunchy, and it’s tossed in a delicious spicy and tangy sauce made from Chinese black vinegar, chilli oil and soy sauce.
The cucumbers are SMASHED to release their juices and create a unique texture, which makes it easier for it to absorb all the flavours of the delicious sauce. It’s honestly the perfect side dish to have along with your main meal!
why you’ll love chinese smashed cucumber salad
It’s so customisable! You can easily tweak it to your taste by adjusting the level of spice or adding extra ingredients like chilli oil or sugar. I personally love to add a little more chilli oil and black vinegar.
It’s also super crisp and refreshing. The cucumbers are smashed, which gives them a wonderfully crunchy texture and allows the flavours to penetrate deeper into the vegetable.
This dish is very quick and easy to make. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it an ideal option when you’re short on time but craving something flavourful.
The sauce is so flavourful and addictive. The combination of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil adds layers of flavor that complement the cucumber’s natural taste perfectly.
ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tbsp chilli oil
- 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
steps:
- Cut off the ends of the cucumber. Using a heavy object like the side of a cleaver or a rolling pin, gently smash the cucumber until it begins to split and crack. Split the cucumber lengthwise, then remove the seeds with a spoon.
- Cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Season the cucumber with salt and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine Chinese black vinegar, chilli oil, light soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic and green onions. Toss in the drained cucumber pieces.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil. Enjoy!
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
2
servings15
minutes0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 large cucumber
1 green onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
1 tbsp chilli oil
1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
A drizzle of sesame oil
Sesame seeds
Directions
- Cut off the ends of the cucumber. Using a heavy object like the side of a cleaver or a rolling pin, gently smash the cucumber until it begins to split and crack. Split the cucumber lengthwise, then remove the seeds with a spoon.
- Cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Season the cucumber with salt and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine Chinese black vinegar, chilli oil, light soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic and green onions. Toss in the drained cucumber pieces.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil. Enjoy!
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