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Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad (Pai Huang Gua)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with spicy asian cucumber salad, coated in chili flakes and sesame seeds.
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Make this refreshing and spicy Asian cucumber salad. Smashing the cucumbers helps them absorb the bold sesame ginger dressing, making it a perfect quick cold salad side dish.

Ingredients

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  • 3 large English cucumbers
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust for desired heat)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers. Place them on a cutting board. Use the flat side of a heavy cleaver or a rolling pin to firmly smash each cucumber until it cracks open and flattens slightly. Do not mince them; you want large, broken pieces.
  2. Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches long.
  3. Place the cucumber pieces in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with the coarse salt and toss to coat. Let the cucumbers sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  4. While the cucumbers rest, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, chili oil, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves.
  5. After 15 minutes, gently squeeze any excess liquid from the salted cucumbers. Discard the liquid.
  6. Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the spicy Asian cucumber salad to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cucumbers to soak up the spicy vinaigrette.
  • If you do not have chili oil, you can substitute it with a mix of neutral oil and red pepper flakes, but true chili oil provides better flavor.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/spicy-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe/