Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (拍黃瓜)

In the sweltering heat of summer, cold mixed vegetables are particularly popular, such as this dish of chinese smashed cucumber salad (拍黃瓜). Its combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors is incredibly refreshing. Enjoying a bowl of this chinese smashed cucumber salad while watching TV, accompanied by a bowl of rice or a bottle of beer, is simply delightful. It's a taste of heaven on earth during hot summer days.

5 Reviews
5 Comments
POSTED:28/05/2024
Level:Easy
Yield:1-2 servings
Total:10 min
(includes chilling time)
Active:5 min

Making chinese smashed cucumber salad is indeed simple, but to ensure it tastes delicious, there are some aspects to consider:


1.Selecting Cucumbers: 

Choosing the right type of cucumber is crucial for making a tasty chinese smashed cucumber dish. Generally, it's best to choose cucumbers with crisp skin, tender flesh, plenty of juice, and no bitterness, preferably seedless or with few seeds. In China, the most commonly used cucumber variety for chinese smashed cucumber is the "burr cucumber," which is long, deep green in color, has thin skin with small burrs, and is very crisp and refreshing.

Of course, regardless of the variety, it's essential to choose cucumbers that are fresh and tender, preferably with remnants of the flower at the stem end. Also, look for cucumbers with firm texture, as they typically have high water content. So, while soft cucumbers are undoubtedly not fresh, overly firm ones may not necessarily be fresh either. This is because soft cucumbers can be rehydrated to regain firmness when soaked in water. However, if the stem end of the cucumber is still somewhat soft, the skin lacks glossiness, and there are remnants of the flower, it indicates that the cucumber may not be fresh. Pay attention to these signs when making a purchase.


2.Why "Smash" Cucumbers Instead of "Slicing" Them? 

The reason for "smashing" cucumbers instead of slicing them is that smashing allows the cucumbers to absorb flavors better. Sliced cucumbers have a smooth surface, making it harder for the seasonings to adhere, causing them to slip off the cucumber slices. Smashed cucumbers, on the other hand, have irregular edges and a rough surface, making it easier for them to absorb the seasonings. Within a few seconds, the flavors of the seasonings penetrate the cucumber.

"Smashing" cucumbers is quite simple. Just place the cucumber on a cutting board and  pat it with the flat side of a knife. However, it's important not to apply too much force, as it may cause cucumber juice and pulp to splatter everywhere. Additionally, using a metal knife might impart a metallic taste to the cucumber. That's why many people choose to wrap the cucumber in a plastic bag before smashing it. This ensures that the cucumber doesn't pick up any unwanted flavors and prevents splattering.


3.Marinating and Seasoning: 

Marinating the cucumber with salt to draw out excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crisp and tender texture.

In China, common seasonings are typically sour and spicy, perfect for stimulating the appetite in summer. There are also variations with sesame sauce-based dressings, allowing you to customize the flavor according to your preference.


Chinese smashed cucumber salad is a simple yet delicious cold dish. By understanding the methods and techniques of making smashed cucumber, we can better enjoy this summer delicacy.

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cucumber

ACCESSORIES

  • 2 Finger Hot Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Flakes
  • 1 tablespoon White Sesame Seeds
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 Scallion
  • 3 sprigs Cilantro

SEASONINGS

  • 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Prepare the ingredients you need.

Instructions to prepare ingredients for a recipe.

STEP 2

Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly, cut off the stems at both ends, smash them with a knife, then cut them into pieces.

Tips:

You can soak the cucumbers in salt water for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Soaking in salt water can better remove pesticide residues and make the cucumbers crunchier. If you're not good at smashing cucumbers with a knife, you can also use a rolling pin or a flat bottle, or simply use your fist to smash them. If the cucumber skin is too thick, you can scrape it off, and if there are too many cucumber seeds, you can remove them.

Rinse, smash, and cut cucumbers; soak in salt water for better taste.

STEP 3

Place the cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, let them marinate for 5 minutes, pour off the excess liquid, and set aside.

Tips:

Marinating the smashed cucumbers helps remove excess moisture, making them crisper and more refreshing.

Tips: Marinate cucumbers in salt to remove moisture and make them crisp and refreshing.

STEP 4

While marinating, chop the cilantro, green onions, finger hot pepper, and garlic.

Chop cilantro, green onions, pepper, and garlic while marinating.

STEP 5

In a bowl, add chili powder, white sesame seeds, finger hot pepper, green onions, and cilantro.

Recipe for a spicy and flavorful seasoning mix with chili powder, sesame seeds, peppers, and herbs.

STEP 6

Heat a suitable amount of cooking oil in a pan.

Heat cooking oil in a pan for cooking.

STEP 7

Pour the hot oil into the bowl to release the aroma.

Pour hot oil into bowl to release aroma.

STEP 8

Add light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for flavor.

STEP 9

Stir well with a spoon to make the dressing.

Tips:

If you make too much dressing, it's okay. You can use the leftovers to dress other dishes or as a dipping sauce.

Make dressing by stirring well. Leftovers can be used for other dishes or as a dipping sauce.

STEP 10

Add the dressing to the marinated cucumbers, mix well, and serve.

Tips:

To enhance this cold dish, you can also add some fried peanuts, black fungus, or other ingredients according to your preference.

Add dressing to marinated cucumbers, mix well, and serve. Tips: Enhance with fried peanuts or other ingredients.

STEP 11

Super appetizing and refreshing chinese smashed cucumber salad is ready to serve.

Tips:

Refrigerate the chinese smashed cucumber salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for a crisper and more flavorful taste!

Chinese smashed cucumber salad: appetizing, refreshing. Refrigerate for 30 mins for crisper & more flavorful taste.

Recipe analyzer

  • Recipes: Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (拍黃瓜)
  • Main Ingredients:7
  • Servings per recipe:1
  • Servings size:338 g
Nutritional Summary of Recipe
Amount per 338 g= 1 serving(s)
  • Energy (calories):153 kcal
    7%
  • Protein:6.69 g
    12%
  • Fat:6.65 g Why gray?
    14%
  • Carbohydrates:22.09 g
    9%
Calorie breakdown
  • Protein: 14%
    21 kcal
  • Fat: 36%
    56 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 50%
    77 kcal
The chart shows the percentage of calories intake (energy) coming from the respective macronutrients (fats, protein and carbohydrates).
Omega 6 : Omega 3
1:1
20:1
37:1
Both fatty acids are essential, but nowadays the majority of western diets include excessive amounts of Omega 6 acid.

The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.

5 REVIEWS

Review
Your rating:
RachelOctober 07, 2024

My Chinese Chopped Cucumber Salad is a little too watery, how can I improve it
reply:
October 09, 2024
You can place the cucumbers in a colander after patting them and gently squeeze them to remove the excess water and make the salad drier.
RaymondSeptember 22, 2024

My Chinese Chopped Cucumber Salad is a bit bland, how can I add more layers?
reply:
September 24, 2024
You can add some seasonings such as minced garlic, cilantro, cayenne pepper or paprika when you pat the cucumbers to add layers of aroma and flavor.
DebraSeptember 12, 2024

How can I make the cucumbers more crunchy when making Chinese Chopped Cucumber Salad
reply:
September 15, 2024
You can sprinkle a little salt on the chopped cucumber and let it sit for a few moments before patting it down, which will remove the excess water and make the cucumber more crunchy.
WilliamJuly 18, 2024

This Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe is easy to follow, comes together in minutes and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
rollerMay 28, 2024

Compatible with both Eastern and Western flavors, it is unique and delicious, and truly unforgettable.
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