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Chinese 15 min Easy
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Crunchy smashed cucumber in a tangy garlic dressing.
Origin & Story
Pai huang gua ('smashed cucumber') is a refreshing Chinese side. Smashing the cucumber creates craggy surfaces that soak up the punchy dressing.
Main Spices & Their Role
Garlic
The bold, savoury base of the dressing.
Chilli oil
Adds gentle heat and colour.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Chilli oil
- Salt
Method
- 01
Smash the cucumbers with the flat of a knife, then chop into chunks.
- 02
Salt them and let sit 10 minutes; drain the water.
- 03
Whisk garlic, soy, vinegar, sugar and sesame oil.
- 04
Toss the cucumber in the dressing.
- 05
Finish with chilli oil and serve cold.
Veg & Vegan Alternatives
Vegetarian
This dish is already vegetarian.
Vegan
Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.