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Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

This recipe for Chinese Smashed Cucumber salad features lightly smashed cucumbers marinated in a tangy and savory sauce.
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 40kcal
Author Michelle

Ingredients

  • 1 large English cucumber
  • ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or Chinese chinkiang black vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil optional
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the cucumber:

  • Wash and trim off the ends of the cucumber.
  • Cut in half, and lightly smash the cut side with the blade of a cleaver or chef's knife, until it starts to split.
  • Cut the cucumber into bite-sized chunks.
  • Place the cucumber into a bowl and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Massage the cucumber with the sea salt and let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  • After 15 minutes, drain the excess liquid from the cucumber and pat dry with paper towel.

Make the dressing:

  • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chili oil, if using.
  • Mix well.

Assemble:

  • Add the dressing to the cucumber and toss until well coated.
  • Let the cucumbers marinate in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve as a side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 552mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.4mg