China · Salads
Smashed Cucumbers
A classic Chinese cold appetizer where cucumbers are smashed to create craggy surfaces that soak up a bold sesame-soy-vinegar dressing.
Ingredients
- fresh cucumbers500-600 g
- salt0.5 tsp
- garlic3-4 cloves
- fresh chili pepper0.5-1 piece
- rice vinegar1.5 tbsp
- soy sauce3-4 tbsp
- toasted sesame oil1 tbsp
- sugar or 1 tbsp honey0.5 tbsp
- sesame seeds1-1.5 tbsp
- fresh cilantro or scallion for garnish
Method
- 1Wash and dry cucumbers. Remove ends.
- 2Place cucumber on a cutting board and smash with the flat side of a knife or rolling pin until it cracks but doesn't fall apart.
- 3Cut lengthwise in half, then into 2cm pieces at an angle.
- 4Place in a colander, sprinkle with salt, mix and leave for 10-15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess juice.
- 5Make the dressing: finely chop garlic and chili. In a bowl, mix with soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar (or honey). Stir until sugar dissolves.
- 6Toss cucumbers with dressing.
- 7Let marinate 10-15 minutes at room temperature or 30 minutes in the fridge.
- 8Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds. Garnish with herbs if desired.