What is Chinese Cucumber Salad?
Chinese cucumber salad is made using an Asian technique - chopping cucumbers until they burst and the sauce seeps into all those crevices and crevices. It is a unique way of preparing cucumbers that creates unique textures and flavors. It is a delicious, refreshing salad that's great as a side or an appetizer. The smashed cucumbers marinate in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar and tossed with sesame oil. On some Chinese menus, you may also see the cucumber salad called "Liang Ban Huang Gua" (Cool Cucumber Tossed, 凉拌黄瓜).
This recipe is easy to make at home - it only requires a few ingredients and comes together in about 10 minutes. The key is to smash the cucumber before slicing it, so they absorb all of that delicious flavor from the dressing!
How to make Chinese Cucumber Salad?
- Smash the cucumbers so they split into both sides using something heavy like the smooth side of a Chinese cleaver, or even a rolling pin will do the trick. Then cut them into small slices.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until well combined. You can do this ahead of time if you wish!
- Once the dressing is mixed well, add in the cucumbers, and stir until they are coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Which kind of cucumber is ideal for this recipe?
English or Japanese cucumbers have thin skins with juicy, soft seeds in the center, making them easier to crush and mix with a salad dressing. An English cucumber is also sweeter and has a slightly more intense cucumber flavor than a regular cucumber. You can use any cucumber you like, but I think the English cucumber works best in this recipe because it has a thin skin that doesn't need peeling before smashing.
Conclusion
Chinese cucumber salad is one of my favorite summer dishes. It is an Asian way to make cucumber salad that is totally addictive! Excellent salad for hot food and hot weather. Crush the cucumbers until they're bursting with juice, then let that tangy saucy goodness seep everywhere.
I love it because it's light and crisp, plus you can throw together a batch in just minutes. It is super easy to make, and everyone loves eating them! If you are looking for a new recipe to try, give Chinese cucmber salad a chance! You will not be disappointed.
Dishes go well with Chinese cucumber salad
Chinese pickled mustard greens stir fry ground pork
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 4 whole cloves of raw garlic
- 1.5 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 3 teaspoons of soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili oil optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients. In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Wash the cucumbers and peel them in the pattern like the picture. (Or however, you wanted) Remove the rough end of the cucumbers. Smash the garlic cloves with the skin on.
- Smash the cucumbers so they split into both sides using something heavy like the smooth side of a Chinese cleaver or rolling pin. Pick out the garlic skin and discard.
- Cut the cucumbers into 1-inch pieces and transfer the cucumbers and garlic to a bowl.
- Pour the sauce on top of the cucumbers and mix well.
- Sprinkle the toasted white sesame seeds and add chili oil on top of the cucumber mixture. (optional)
- Stir and serve immediately.
Leave a Reply