15 Chinese Woven Cucumber Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Woven cucumbers, also known as "ma jiang huang gua" in Chinese, is a popular and traditional dish in Chinese cuisine. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrients. With its unique presentation and delicious taste, it has become a must-try for anyone who loves Chinese food. In this article, we will explore the history and ingredients of this dish, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.
If you're looking for a refreshing side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, this Chinese cucumber salad is the perfect choice. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a light dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, and topped with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch. It's a simple and delicious way to add some Asian flavors to your meal.
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Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Fresh Garlic, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
For a more garlicky twist on the classic Chinese cucumber salad, try this recipe. Thinly sliced cucumbers are dressed in a mixture of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, and then marinated for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop. The result is a bold and tangy salad that pairs perfectly with the juicy flavors of beer can chicken.
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Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad (Liangban Huanggua)
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Garlic, Thai Bird S Eye Chili, Rice Vinegar
This version of Chinese garlic cucumber salad, also known as Liangban Huanggua, is a popular street food in China. The cucumbers are cut into thick chunks and then smashed with a rolling pin to release their juices and absorb the dressing. The result is a flavorful and refreshing salad that is perfect for hot summer days.
In Chinese cuisine, "smashing" or "pounding" cucumbers is a common technique used to release their flavors and make them more tender. This Chinese smashed cucumber salad is a great example of how this technique can transform a simple ingredient into a delicious dish. The cucumbers are smashed and then dressed in a tangy mixture of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil for a spicy kick.
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Chinese Shredded Chicken and Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Cucumbers, Garlic, Scallions, Sesame Oil, Salt
If you're looking to add some protein to your cucumber salad, try this Chinese shredded chicken and cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers and shredded chicken are tossed in a dressing made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and then topped with chopped scallions and cilantro for a burst of fresh flavors.
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Chinese-Inspired Smashed Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Persian Cucumbers, Kosher Salt, Rice Vinegar, Toasted
This Chinese-inspired smashed cucumber salad is a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your beer can chicken. The cucumbers are smashed and then mixed with a dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. It's a simple and delicious salad that will add a touch of Asian flair to your meal.
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The Hirshon Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad – 拍黄瓜
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Salt, Sugar, Dressing, Black Rice Vinegar
If you're a fan of spicy food, you'll love this Chinese smashed cucumber salad. The cucumbers are smashed and then tossed in a dressing made with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and soy sauce. It's a bold and flavorful salad that will add some heat and excitement to your beer can chicken feast.
This Chinese chicken salad is a great way to use up any leftover chicken you have from your beer can chicken. The shredded chicken is mixed with crunchy veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage, and then tossed in a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. It's a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for pairing with the rich and savory flavors of beer can chicken.
This Chinese smashed cucumber salad is a classic dish that is often served as an appetizer in Chinese restaurants. The cucumbers are smashed and then dressed in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar, and then topped with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. It's a simple and tasty salad that will add some crunch and freshness to your beer can chicken meal.
This version of Chinese smashed cucumber salad is a little different from the others on this list. The cucumbers are smashed and then mixed with a dressing made with black vinegar, chili oil, and garlic, giving it a bold and tangy flavor. It's a great side dish to pair with your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
If you're short on time but still want to add some Asian flavors to your beer can chicken meal, this easy Chinese cucumber salad is a great option. The cucumbers are smashed and then tossed in a simple dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. It's a quick and easy way to add some crunch and freshness to your meal.
If you love spicy food, you'll want to try this Chinese spicy cucumber salad. The cucumbers are smashed and then mixed with a dressing made with chili oil, garlic, and soy sauce. It's a bold and flavorful salad that will add some heat and excitement to your beer can chicken feast.
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Chinese Sliced Tofu Salad (凉拌豆腐丝)
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Carrot, Cucumber, Rice
For a vegetarian option, try this Chinese sliced tofu salad. The tofu is thinly sliced and then marinated in a dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. It's a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with the rich and savory flavors of beer can chicken.
This Chinese tofu salad is another great vegetarian option to pair with your beer can chicken. Cubed tofu is tossed with a light dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, and then topped with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
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Yunnan Style Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Crushed Garlic, Peanuts, Sugar, White
If you're looking to try a new flavor profile, this Yunnan style cucumber salad is a great choice. The cucumbers are smashed and then dressed in a mixture of chili oil, black vinegar, and sesame oil, giving it a rich and tangy flavor. It's a unique and delicious salad that will add some excitement to your beer can chicken meal.
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Chinese Smashed Cucumber Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: English Cucumbers, Salt, Cooked Chicken, Sesame Seeds
This Chinese smashed cucumber chicken salad is a great way to combine two classic dishes into one flavorful dish. The cucumbers are smashed and then mixed with shredded chicken, and dressed in a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will complement your beer can chicken perfectly.
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Chinese Chicken Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Romaine Lettuce, Napa Cabbage, Cooked
This Chinese chicken salad with ginger sesame dressing is a delicious and healthy option to pair with your beer can chicken. The shredded chicken is tossed with crunchy veggies and dressed in a ginger-infused dressing made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's a flavorful and satisfying salad that will add some variety to your meal.
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Laohu Cai (Chinese Tiger Salad)
Main Ingredients: Cilantro, Green Pepper, Cucumbers, Scallions, Sesame
Laohu Cai, or Chinese tiger salad, is a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine. It's a mix of shredded vegetables, including cucumber, carrots, and cabbage, dressed in a spicy and tangy dressing made with chili oil, vinegar, and soy sauce. It's a bold and flavorful salad that will add some excitement to your beer can chicken meal.
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Chinese-Style Shredded Cold Vegetables and Tofu
Main Ingredients: Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Toasted Sesame Oil
This Chinese-style shredded cold vegetables and tofu salad is a great option for vegans looking to pair their beer can chicken with a flavorful and healthy side dish. Shredded veggies, including cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, are mixed with tofu and dressed in a tangy and refreshing dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
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Inside-Out Chinese Spring Roll Salad
Main Ingredients: Black Sesame Seeds, Minced Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Soy
This inside-out Chinese spring roll salad is a fun and creative take on a classic dish. Instead of wrapping the ingredients in a spring roll wrapper, they are tossed together in a salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers are mixed with shredded chicken and dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. It's a unique and delicious salad that will add some excitement to your beer can chicken meal.
The Origins of Woven Cucumber
The History
The art of weaving cucumbers originated in the Sichuan province of China, where it was a common practice to prepare vegetables in intricate and decorative ways. This technique was not only used for cucumbers but also for other vegetables such as carrots and radishes. It was traditionally served as a side dish for banquets and special occasions, but has now become a popular dish in Chinese homes and restaurants all over the world.
The Ingredients
The main ingredient for this dish is, of course, the cucumber. It is important to choose firm and fresh cucumbers that are not too thick or thin. Other key ingredients include sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds, which add flavor and depth to the dish. Optional ingredients can also be added such as garlic, ginger, or chili for a spicier kick.
The Process of Making Woven Cucumber
Step 1: Preparing the Cucumbers
Peel the cucumbers and cut them into thin slices. Then, using a sharp knife, make vertical cuts along the edges of the cucumber slices, leaving a small border at the top and bottom. Be careful not to cut all the way through the cucumber.
Step 2: Weaving the Cucumbers
Take two cucumber slices and weave them together, alternating the top and bottom borders. Continue weaving until you have a desired size and shape. You can get creative and make different shapes such as a circle or a heart.
Step 3: Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a 2:2:1 ratio. You can also add minced garlic, ginger, or chili to the dressing for added flavor. Pour the dressing over the woven cucumbers and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the woven cucumbers for added texture and presentation. You can also add other garnishes such as chopped green onions or cilantro. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a main dish with rice.
In conclusion, woven cucumber is a delicious and visually stunning dish that is easy to make at home. With its origins in Chinese cuisine, it has become a staple in many households and is loved by people all over the world. So why not add this unique and flavorful dish to your next meal?
