18 Smacked Cucumber Chinese Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Cucumber is a popular vegetable in Chinese cuisine, known for its refreshing taste and cooling properties. One of the most delicious ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable is by making smacked cucumber. This classic Chinese dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Chinese recipe for smacked cucumber and learn how to make it at home.
Asian Cucumber Salad with Cilantro and Vidalia Onions
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Vidalia Onion, Cilantro, Rice Vinegar
Impress your friends and family with this refreshing and flavorful Asian cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are combined with fragrant cilantro and sweet Vidalia onions for a perfect balance of flavors. This easy-to-make salad is a great accompaniment to any dish, but it also stands out on its own as a light and healthy snack.
2of 9
Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Seedless Cucumbers, Salt, Sugar, Sesame Oil, Light Soy
Take your cucumber salad to the next level with this smashed version. The cucumbers are lightly smashed to release their juices, allowing the flavors to penetrate the vegetable and creating a more intense taste. Combined with a tangy Asian dressing and topped with crushed peanuts, this salad is a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish.
3of 9
Asian Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Honey, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
For a simple yet delicious salad, try this traditional Asian cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This salad is a great side dish for any Asian-inspired meal, or add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.
4of 9
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Scallions, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
Add some heat to your cucumber salad with this spicy version. Thinly sliced cucumbers are combined with a spicy dressing made with chili paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a flavor explosion in every bite. This salad is perfect for those who love a little kick in their food, and it pairs well with grilled meats or tofu.
5of 9
Spicy Sesame Ginger Asian Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Fine Sea Salt, Jalapeno Pepper, Red Onion
For a salad with a bold and complex flavor, try this spicy sesame ginger Asian cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a dressing made with ginger, garlic, and chili paste, then topped with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. This salad is a great way to add some excitement to your meal and impress your taste buds.
6of 9
Asian Cucumber Salad for Chinese New Year
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Kosher Salt, Jalapeno Chile, Red Fresno
Celebrate Chinese New Year with this traditional Asian cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are combined with a dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then topped with toasted sesame seeds and crispy fried shallots for a burst of flavor and texture. This salad is a must-have dish for any Chinese New Year celebration.
7of 9
Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Garlic Cloves, Rice
Put a twist on your traditional cucumber salad with this smashed version. The cucumbers are lightly smashed and marinated in a dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey for a touch of sweetness. This salad is a great way to use up leftover cucumbers and is perfect for a light and refreshing lunch.
8of 9
Marinated Asian Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Persian Cucumbers, Green Onions, Soy Sauce, Rice Wine
For a salad that is bursting with flavor, try this marinated Asian cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then topped with fresh herbs and crushed peanuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This salad is a great addition to any meal and is sure to impress.
9of 9
Pickled Asian Cucumber Salad [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Red Onion, Rice Wine Vinegar, Tamari
For a unique and flavorful salad, try this pickled Asian cucumber salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are pickled in a tangy and slightly sweet brine made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. This salad is not only delicious, but it is also vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve it as a side dish or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers for an extra kick of flavor.
The Origins of Smacked Cucumber
A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish
Smacked cucumber, also known as "pai huang gua" in Chinese, is a popular dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. It is believed that this dish was created by street vendors who would smack the cucumbers against a hard surface to help them absorb more flavor from the marinade. The result is a dish that is both refreshing and flavorful, perfect for hot summer days.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Simple and Easy to Find
To make smacked cucumber, you will need cucumbers, garlic, red chili peppers, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. These ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store or Asian market. You can also add other ingredients such as sesame seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, or cilantro to enhance the flavor of the dish.
The Preparation Process
Quick and Easy Steps
To make smacked cucumber, start by peeling and smashing the cucumber with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps to release the juices and flavors of the cucumber. Next, cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped red chili peppers, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour the marinade over the cucumbers and mix well. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the cucumber.
Enjoying Smacked Cucumber
A Delicious Side Dish or Snack
Smacked cucumber can be enjoyed as a side dish or a refreshing snack. It is best served chilled and pairs well with other Chinese dishes such as Kung Pao chicken or Mapo tofu. The combination of the cool and crunchy texture of the cucumber with the savory and slightly spicy marinade makes for a perfect balance of flavors.
In Conclusion
A Must-Try Chinese Recipe
In conclusion, smacked cucumber is a must-try Chinese recipe that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you are looking for a simple side dish or a refreshing snack, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills?
Asian Cucumber Salad with Cilantro and Vidalia Onions
