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    Smashed Sichuan Cucumber Salad

    clock-icon30 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring smashed cucumbers with a flavorful Sichuan-inspired dressing.

    Ingredients for Smashed Sichuan Cucumber Salad

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron

    Cucumbers, smashed and cut into chunks

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic, grated

    cloves

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ginger, grated

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chinese Black Vinegar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Toasted Sesame Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Soy Sauce

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kosher Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Light brown sugar

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fresh Red Chile, thinly sliced, seeds removed

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Smashed Sichuan Cucumber Salad

    1. Prepare the Cucumbers

    Gently smash the cucumbers using a rolling pin, meat pounder, cleaver, or chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board. Break the cucumbers into chunks, discarding some of the seeds to maintain the desired texture.

    2. Mix the Dressing

    In a small bowl, combine the grated garlic and ginger with Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar. Stir in the toasted sesame oil and soy sauce, season with kosher salt, and add a pinch of light brown sugar. Include thinly sliced fresh red chile for a spicy kick.

    3. Toss the Salad

    Toss the smashed cucumbers with the prepared dressing, ensuring each piece is well coated. For best results, chill the salad for 20 minutes to up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

    4. Final Seasoning and Serving

    Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Serve the dish ensuring it is bursting with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and ready to impress.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Choose the Right Cucumbers

    Persian or Kirby cucumbers are ideal for their firm flesh and fewer seeds.

    Salt and Drain

    Salt the cucumbers post-smashing and let them drain to enhance texture and flavor.

    Proper Smashing Technique

    Gently smash the cucumbers to open up the flesh for better dressing infusion, but avoid over-smashing.

    Maximize Aromatics

    Use fresh garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns, lightly toasting the latter to release fragrant oils.

    Balanced Dressing

    Combine soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar for a personalized and balanced flavor profile.


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