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Smacked Cucumber Salad

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
15 min
Prep
0 min
Cook
1
Servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Whisk together the garlic, black vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and chilli oil, if using, in a small bowl.
  4. 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.

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