Smacked Cucumber
Smacked cucumber is a classic Chinese cold dish, known for its refreshing crunch and tangy, spicy flavor. Cucumbers are smashed with a knife blade, then tossed with garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil for a quick, addictive appetizer.
Ingredients
10 items- Cucumber 2
- Garlic 3 cloves
- Light soy sauce 2 tbsp
- Chinese black vinegar 1 tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Salt 1/2 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 tbsp
- Chili oil 1 tbsp
- Toasted white sesame seeds a pinch
- Cilantro 1 sprig
Nutrition
Steps （5 steps）
Wash the cucumbers and cut off the ends. Place a cucumber on a cutting board and hit it with the flat side of a knife to crack it open, then cut into 4 cm lengths. Transfer to a large bowl.
Mince the garlic and put in a small bowl. Add light soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, salt, sesame oil, and chili oil. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber pieces. Using disposable gloves or chopsticks, toss well to coat every piece. Mix for about 1 minute to blend the flavors.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumber to become more crisp.
Remove the cucumber from the fridge, transfer to a serving plate, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Tips
Choose firm, fresh cucumbers with bright green skin. Smash the cucumbers gently with the knife blade—do not crush them into a paste. Adjust the amount of chili oil to your preferred spice level. Marinating for longer (but no more than 30 minutes) enhances flavor, but too long may release water.
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