Best 3 Smashed Chinese Cucumber Salad Recipes
**Smashed Chinese Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Side Dish**
In the realm of Chinese cuisine, smashed cucumber salad stands out as a refreshing and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements a wide range of entrees. This vibrant salad combines the crispness of cucumbers, the tanginess of vinegar, the warmth of garlic and ginger, and the subtle heat of chili peppers to create a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. With its simple yet effective combination of ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you're seeking a light and refreshing side dish for a summer barbecue or a quick and healthy snack to enjoy between meals, this smashed Chinese cucumber salad is sure to satisfy your cravings.
**Recipes Included:**
* **Smashed Chinese Cucumber Salad:** This classic recipe forms the foundation of this delightful salad, featuring cucumbers smashed to perfection and tossed in a tangy dressing made with vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
* **Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad:** For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this variation incorporates chili peppers into the dressing, adding an extra layer of flavor and spice to the salad.
* **Szechuan Smashed Cucumber Salad:** Inspired by the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine, this recipe introduces a unique blend of spices, including Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
* **Sesame Smashed Cucumber Salad:** Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and extra crunch to this version of the salad, creating a delightful contrast to the crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing.
* **Cold Peanut Smashed Cucumber Salad:** Peanut butter and sesame paste come together to create a rich and creamy dressing in this unique take on the classic salad. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among peanut butter enthusiasts.
SMASHED CHINESE CUCUMBER SALAD
Smashing cucumbers is a delicious and rustically beautiful preparation that is common across Asia. Smashing them creates a variety of different textures, and draining them concentrates the flavor. This is a simple-to-prepare dish but it packs personality!
Provided by Molly Yeh
Time 15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the cucumbers in a resealable plastic bag. Seal and use the palm of your hand to lightly smash the cucumbers. Take the cucumbers out of the bag and cut into 1-inch chunks. Add to a bowl and season with salt. Toss to coat.
- Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and chile flakes in a medium bowl. Whisk to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the cucumbers, then toss and garnish with the toasted sesame seeds and cilantro.
CHINESE SMASHED CUCUMBERS WITH SESAME OIL AND GARLIC
In China, cucumbers are considered the ideal foil for hot weather and hot food. Versions of this salad, pai huang gua, are served all over the country, sometimes spiked with dried chiles and Sichuan peppercorns for more dimensions of flavor. In Beijing, people buy whole chilled cucumbers from street vendors and munch them on the go, much as Americans become attached to their cups of iced coffee in summer. The smashing process, a classic Chinese technique, cracks the skin, helps release the seeds and splits the flesh into appealing craggy pieces. Salting and chilling the cracked cucumbers give them the perfect cool, crunchy, watery mouth feel.
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories salads and dressings, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Rinse cucumbers and pat dry. Cut crosswise into pieces about 4 inches long. Cut each piece in half lengthwise.
- On a work surface, place a piece of cucumber (or several) cut side down. Lay the blade of a large knife flat on top the cucumber and smash down lightly with your other hand. The skin will begin to crack, the flesh will break down and the seeds will separate. Repeat until the whole piece is smashed. Break or slice diagonally into bite-size pieces, leaving the seeds behind.
- Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer and toss with a big pinch of salt and a big pinch of sugar. Place a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the cucumbers to serve as a weight and place the strainer over a bowl. Let drain 15 to 30 minutes on the counter, or in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine salt, sugar and rice vinegar. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in sesame oil and soy sauce.
- When ready to serve, shake cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with grapeseed or olive oil and toss. Add half the dressing, half the garlic and the red pepper flakes to taste, and toss. Keep adding dressing until cucumbers are well coated but not drowned. Taste and add more pepper flakes and garlic if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.
CHINESE CUCUMBER SALAD
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Yield 4 servings as a side dish
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, oils and pepper flakes. Mix in the cucumbers and red bell pepper. Chill before serving.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, crisp cucumbers. English or Persian cucumbers are both good choices.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly so that they will absorb the dressing more easily.
- If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- To make the salad ahead of time, combine the cucumbers, onion, and dressing in a bowl and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle with the cilantro.
- Serve the salad as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats, fish, or tofu.
Conclusion:
This smashed Chinese cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. With its combination of crunchy cucumbers, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
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