We’ve been making this Chinese-style smashed cucumber salad for years and we can’t believe it’s only gone viral now. It’s a brilliant combo of salty/sweet/tangy/spicy/fresh is ready in seconds and easily devoured in the same amount of time. It’s brilliant for any dish that welcomes a crunchy sidekick or just on its own when you’re after a flavour-packed snack. Find your smashing devices, grab some cucumbers and get ready to relieve some stress (you can watch us do the same over here).
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1½ tbsp Chinese black vinegar
2 tsp sugar
2 garlic cloves (crushed)
1 tsp sesame seeds
1-2 tbsp chilli oil (to taste)
Method
Smash the cucumber with a rolling pin so the sides split and the centers become juicy then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces. In a large jar mix all the remaining ingredients and season to taste. Add the chopped cucumbers, then the lid, and shake, shake, shake till it’s all combined and mingling.
Serve it alongside our Vietnamese caramel and lemongrass chicken, stuff them into our bao buns with slow-cooked hoisin pork or just devour as is straight from the jar.