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Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 441 reviews

This Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and spicy appetizer featuring crisp Persian cucumbers dressed in a flavorful homemade chili oil infused with garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, and sesame seeds. The cucumbers are lightly smashed to release their texture, creating an ideal balance of heat, crunch, and aromatic complexity, perfect for a light side dish or a palate cleanser.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Oil

  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons ground chilis
  • 2 teaspoons ground Szechuan peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon MSG
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Salad

  • 6 Persian cucumbers
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil (prepared from above)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make Chili Oil: In a small pot, heat 1/2 cup canola oil until it just starts to smoke, then immediately remove from heat to avoid burning. In a medium heatproof bowl or jar, whisk together the minced ginger, minced garlic, ground chilis, ground Szechuan peppercorns, white sesame seeds, 1/2 teaspoon MSG, and 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt. Slowly and carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture, allowing it to sizzle and steam while gradually streaming it to prevent overflow. Whisk thoroughly to combine and set aside to cool completely.
  2. Prepare Cucumbers: Cut each Persian cucumber into three equal pieces. Using the flat side of a knife, gently smash each cucumber piece into two craggy halves, releasing the crunch and allowing flavors to absorb better.
  3. Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine the smashed cucumbers with 2 tablespoons of the prepared chili oil, 3 cloves of grated garlic, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon MSG. Toss everything evenly to coat all cucumber pieces thoroughly.
  4. Season and Serve: Add Kosher salt to taste, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for a crisp, spicy, and aromatic appetizer or side dish.

Notes

  • Use Persian cucumbers or other small, thin-skinned cucumbers for best texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of ground chilis and chili oil to your spice tolerance.
  • MSG is optional but enhances the umami flavor significantly.
  • This salad can be refrigerated for up to 1 day but is best consumed fresh for optimal crispness.
  • The smashed cucumber texture allows dressing to permeate better compared to slicing.

Keywords: Chinese smashed cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, Chinese appetizer, chili oil cucumber salad, Szechuan cucumber salad, easy Asian salad

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/chinese-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe/