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Spicy smashed cucumber salad topped with sesame seeds and scallions in a bowl

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Crunchy smashed cucumbers tossed in a spicy, garlicky soy and vinegar dressing — a viral 10-minute Chinese side dish known as pai huang gua.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 scallion thinly sliced

Equipment

  • Rolling pin or flat side of a knife (for smashing)
  • Colander (for draining the cucumbers)

Method
 

  1. Smash the cucumbers with a rolling pin until they crack.
  2. Chop into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a colander.
  3. Toss with salt and let drain 10 minutes, then pat dry.
  4. Tip: Don't skip this step, or the salad turns watery.
  5. Whisk together the garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chili crisp.
  6. Toss the cucumbers in the dressing.
  7. Marinate 10-15 minutes, then top with sesame seeds and scallion.