Chinese Smashed Cucumbers

In Dairy-free, Food Around The World, Gluten-free, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

Easy Chinese cucumber salad made with smashed cucumbers and sesame
Here in Minnesota, Chinese restaurants are a popular option amidst the sea of eating establishments. I love the five flavors of salty, spicy, sour, sweet, and bitter infused into traditional Chinese cooking, but prefer to avoid the MSG found in most of the food at these restaurants.
I asked my friend Rachel to teach me how to make delicious, healthy, authentic Chinese food at home.  I was delighted she said yes!

Rachel was born in Szechuan China before moving to the United States many years ago to start a business and a family. Rachel has a gift of creating quick and easy meals that rival the best Chinese restaurants this side of Szechuan. What I admire most about my Rachel’s style of cooking is her creative ability to use whatever ingredients are occupying her refrigerator and turn them into a magnificent meal in minutes. Rachel’s cooking is uncomplicated, incorporates basic ingredients, and results in savory, mouthwatering meals without the preservatives and absolutely no MSG!

preparing cucumbers for cucumber salad

Recently, Rachel taught me to make her Chinese Smashed Cucumbers marinated in a delightful little sauce that takes a simple cucumber to a whole new level. This recipe is easy to make and pairs perfectly with fish, beef, lamb, or your favorite poultry recipe. What I find most intriguing about this recipe is the technique of smashing the cucumbers to enhance flavor and soften the meat. This approach creates a uniquely delicious salad or side dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or appetizer.

Find more of my Asian-inspired recipes here:

I hope you enjoy this recipe! If you’ve made it please share it with me by tagging @culinarybutterfly on Pinterest.

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Print Recipe
 Chinese Smashed Cucumbers Yum
Chinese Smashed Cucumbers are quick and easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients. They are bursting with texture and flavor. The technique of smashing the cucumbers brings out its natural juices and flavor. Serve it as a salad or a side dish with fish, beef, lamb, or poultry.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Sides, Soup/Salad
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 30 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Dinner, Lunch, Sides, Soup/Salad
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 30 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Cut off the ends of the cucumber and discard. Using the side of your cutting knife, pound one side of the cucumber to partially smash and break the skin, softening the meat inside. Roughly chop into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the garlic, salt, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour over cucumbers and toss. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Top with sesame seeds just before serving.
Recipe Notes

Recipe Notes:

  • Use cucumbers with thinner skins. Smashing cucumbers before adding ingredients brings out the flavor of the cucumber and makes it softer to eat.
  • Refrigerating for 30 minutes helps to infuse flavors.
  • This is an excellent salad to serve with oily foods because it helps to balance out the grease.
  • This salad is refreshing and feels good to eat.

Recipe by Rachel Huang for www.culinarybutterfly.com

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