🥒 Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad with Garlic & Chili | Quick Summer Recipe 凉拌黄瓜

| GLUTEN FREE | VEGETARIAN DISHES |
🥒Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic & Chili (拍黄瓜)
Quick, refreshing, and packed with flavor — the perfect summer side dish!
🌿Introduction
This traditional Chinese smashed cucumber salad is loved for its crisp texture and bold flavors. Cucumbers are gently smashed to help them soak up a warm, garlicky, tangy dressing with a hint of chili heat. Ready in just minutes, it’s an easy, vegan-friendly recipe that’s perfect as a starter, snack, or accompaniment to grilled dishes.
Recette en français : cliquez ici
RECIPE:
🧂Ingredients (serves 2)
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700g cucumber
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Salt, Sugar, Minced garlic, Dried chili flakes (or fresh chili), Rice vinegar, Cooking oil
👩🍳 Instructions
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Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using the flat side of a large knife (or a meat tenderizer), gently smash the cucumbers until they start to crack but are not crushed. This helps the cucumbers absorb the dressing while keeping their crunch.
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Cut the cucumbers into sticks about 4–5 cm long and 1.5–2 cm wide. Place them in a bowl.
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In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp rice vinegar. Adjust the vinegar and sugar to balance sweet, salty, and sour flavors to your taste.
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Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and dried chili. Stir with chopsticks until fragrant, then add the vinegar mixture. Stir continuously until slightly thickened and aromatic. Remove from heat.
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Immediately pour the hot dressing over the cucumbers. Toss well with two spoons until the cucumbers fully absorb the sauce.
Your dish is ready !
🥂 When to Enjoy It
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As a light appetizer or starter
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Alongside grilled meat or BBQ
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As a refreshing snack
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Perfect with an ice-cold beer 🍺
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Or even as a light, low-carb dinner for those avoiding starches
Tips & Variations
No dried chili? Use fresh chili or omit for a milder salad.
Add Korean chili powder for a vibrant red color and extra heat.
Smash cucumbers gently — don’t crush — to maintain texture.
Mix the cucumbers and dressing about 15 minutes before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful..
❓ FAQ: Can I prepare this salad in advance?For best taste, serve right after making. If needed, prepare cucumbers and dressing separately up to a day ahead and combine just before serving. |
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