🥒Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic & Chili (拍黄瓜)

 | GLUTEN FREE | VEGETARIAN DISHES | 

🥒Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic & Chili (拍黄瓜)
Quick, refreshing, and packed with flavor — the perfect summer side dish!

🌿Introduction

This traditional Chinese smashed cucumber salad is loved for its crisp texture and bold flavors. Cucumbers are gently smashed to help them soak up a warm, garlicky, tangy dressing with a hint of chili heat. Ready in just minutes, it’s an easy, vegan-friendly recipe that’s perfect as a starter, snack, or accompaniment to grilled dishes.

Recette en français : cliquez ici

RECIPE:

🧂Ingredients (serves 2)

• 700g cucumber

• Salt, Sugar, Minced garlic, Dried chili flakes (or fresh chili), Rice vinegar, Cooking oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using the flat side of a large knife (or a meat tenderizer), gently smash the cucumbers until they start to crack but are not crushed. This helps the cucumbers absorb the dressing while keeping their crunch.

1. Cut the cucumbers into sticks about 4–5 cm long and 1.5–2 cm wide. Place them in a bowl.

1. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp rice vinegar. Adjust the vinegar and sugar to balance sweet, salty, and sour flavors to your taste.

1. Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and dried chili. Stir with chopsticks until fragrant, then add the vinegar mixture. Stir continuously until slightly thickened and aromatic. Remove from heat.

1. Immediately pour the hot dressing over the cucumbers. Toss well with two spoons until the cucumbers fully absorb the sauce.

Your dish is ready !

🥂 When to Enjoy It

• As a light appetizer or starter
• Alongside grilled meat or BBQ
• As a refreshing snack
• Perfect with an ice-cold beer 🍺
• Or even as a light, low-carb dinner for those avoiding starches

Tips & Variations

• No dried chili? Use fresh chili or omit for a milder salad.
• Add Korean chili powder for a vibrant red color and extra heat.
• Smash cucumbers gently — don’t crush — to maintain texture.
• Mix the cucumbers and dressing about 15 minutes before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful..

❓FAQ: Can I prepare this salad in advance? For best taste, serve right after making. If needed, prepare cucumbers and dressing separately up to a day ahead and combine just before serving.

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