Smashed Chinese Cucumber Salad
This classic Chinese appetizer is ridiculously simple and incredibly refreshing. The key is smashing the cucumbers to create irregular surfaces that absorb the seasoning perfectly. It’s a great side dish or palate cleanser that comes together in minutes. The big simplifier of this dish is the sushi seasoning which replaces the rice vinegar and sugar and a bunch of other things that other recipes call for
Ingredients
- 2 small cucumbers per person
- Sushi seasoning (to taste).
- Salt (generous amount, to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced very fine (or 2 spring onions, finely sliced, or both if feeling fancy)
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
Cut the ends off the cucumbers.
Place the flat side of a knife on a cucumber and smash it with the palm of your hand to break it into pieces. Cut the smashed cucumber into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Repeat with remaining cucumbers.
Transfer the smashed cucumber pieces to a bowl. Add sushi seasoning and a generous amount of salt.
Add your choice of aromatics: minced garlic for a punchy flavor, finely sliced spring onions for a milder taste, or both if you’re feeling fancy.
Toss everything together and taste. Keep adding salt until the flavor is just right—the cucumbers should be well-seasoned and vibrant.
Top with sesame seeds if desired for extra texture and visual appeal.
Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or snack. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, though it will keep in the fridge for a few hours if needed.