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10-minute Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (拍黄瓜) — A Simple & Refreshing Side

5 from 1 vote
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This smashed cucumber salad (拍黄瓜,) is one of the most beloved Chinese cold dishes—crunchy, tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of savory. It’s the perfect quick appetizer or side dish. This version is scaled down for just one cucumber, ideal for solo meals or small plates.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 seedless cucumber
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp light soy sauce
  • ½ tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1–2 tsp chili oil optional
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Small handful of chopped cilantro

Equipment

  • 1 Meat Smasher I sometimes use a meat smasher to smash my cucumber, but you can use anything else that works (eg knife or rolling pin) :)

Method
 

  1. Smash the cucumber: Wash and dry the cucumber. Using the side of a large knife or rolling pin, gently smash the cucumber until it splits into rough segments. Slice it at a diagonal into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix it up: In a mixing bowl, toss the smashed cucumber with salt, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, minced garlic, chili oil (if using), and chopped cilantro until fully dissolved.
  3. Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 1502mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 158IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg

Notes

  • Smash, don't slice: The rough edges help absorb the dressing way better than neat slices.
  • Chili oil substitute: Don't have any? Heat up 1 tbsp of neutral oil until hot and drizzle it over the cucumbers - it releases the garlic's fragrance. 
  • This recipe was adapted from The Wok's of Life

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