Chinese sichuan smashed cucumber salad

If you like something fresh, crunchy, and tasty, this is the salad for you. The best part is that it is super easy to make. All you need is cucumber, some spices, and a few minutes at your disposal. This isn't your ordinary salad – it combines the crispy freshness of cucumber with an exciting spicy Sichuan flavor that really gives it that extra kick.

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You will need

1 ½ cucumber

4 tsp garlic, finely grated

Dressing

2 tsp granulated sugar

Salt

1 tbsp roasted sesame oil

1 tbsp thin soy sauce

1 ½ tsp Chinkiang vinegar (black vinegar)

2 tsp chili oil

A small pinch of MSG (MSG is a flavor enhancer and is available at Asian stores - can be omitted but is recommended)

2 tsp roasted sesame seeds

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How to make it

1. Wash the cucumber and cut off the ends. Peel so that the cucumber becomes striped. Place the cucumbers on a large cutting board and split the cucumbers lengthwise in half. Place the cucumbers with the skin side up and smash them with the handle of the knife. Then cut up the cucumbers into smaller pieces and put them in a bowl.

1 ½ cucumber

2. Stir the garlic into the cucumber.

4 tsp garlic, finely grated

3. Mix all the ingredients for the dressing in a separate bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and mix well.

2 tsp granulated sugar

Salt

1 tbsp roasted sesame oil

1 tbsp thin soy sauce

1 ½ tsp Chinkiang vinegar (black vinegar)

2 tsp chili oil

A pinch of MSG (MSG is a flavor enhancer and is available at Asian stores - can be omitted but is recommended)

4. Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds and serve.

2 tsp roasted sesame seeds

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