Salads
Smacked Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- - 3 Persian or Lebanese cucumbers
- - 3 cloves garlic, minced
- - 2 tbsp Chinkiang black vinegar
- - 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- - 1 tsp sugar
- - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- - 1/2 tsp chilli oil (optional)
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Method
- Lay the cucumbers on a chopping board and smack firmly with a rolling pin or the flat side of a knife until they crack and split.
- Cut the cracked cucumbers into bite-sized chunks and place in a colander; toss with the salt and let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess water.
- Whisk together the garlic, black vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and chilli oil, if using, in a small bowl.
- Pat the drained cucumber dry, toss with the dressing, and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Introduction: This Sichuan-style salad gets its name from the technique of smacking cucumbers with the flat of a knife or rolling pin, which cracks the flesh to better absorb the garlicky, vinegar-forward dressing, making it a refreshing starter across northern and western China.
Cultural Background: This Sichuan-style salad gets its name from the technique of smacking cucumbers with the flat of a knife or rolling pin, which cracks the flesh to better absorb the garlicky, vinegar-forward dressing, making it a refreshing starter across northern and western China.
Tips: Smacking rather than slicing cracks the cucumber's fibres, allowing it to soak up more dressing. Draining the salted cucumber briefly keeps the salad crisp rather than watery.
Variations: Add a few torn fresh coriander leaves for extra freshness. Increase the chilli oil for a spicier version.
Storage: Best eaten fresh within a few hours; store undressed cucumber in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Not applicable; served cold.
Nutrition: Approx. 70 kcal, 2g protein, 4g fat, 7g carbohydrate per serving.
FAQs
Q: Why smack the cucumber instead of slicing it?
A: Cracking the flesh creates rough, irregular surfaces and channels that hold the dressing far better than a clean-sliced cucumber.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: It is mild by default; the chilli oil is optional and can be adjusted to taste.