My son has started learning to cook too-husband is teaching him how to smash cucumbers.
My son has started learning to cook too-husband is teaching him how to smash cucumbers. is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Rose & Anzai Country Life on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 75 min
Cost: $19.45 total, $4.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 medium Cucumber (washed, ends trimmed)
- 1 tsp Salt (regular table salt)
- 1/2 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder (instant granules)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (light soy sauce)
- 300 g Beef Slices (Hot‑pot style) (thinly sliced, preferably ribeye or sirloin)
- 2 medium Potatoes (peeled and sliced 1/4‑inch)
- 1 small Yam (peeled and sliced 1/4‑inch)
- 2 medium Tomato (quartered)
- 2 L Water (filtered)
- 1 piece Chicken Bouillon Cube (for broth)
- 2 slices Ginger (peeled)
- 2 cloves Garlic (smashed)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (for broth) (light soy sauce)
Instructions
Wash & Prep Vegetables
Rinse all vegetables under cold water. Peel the potatoes and yam, then slice them into 1/4‑inch rounds. Quarter the tomatoes. Set aside in separate bowls.
Time: PT15M
Make Sm smashed Cucumber Salad
Place the cucumbers on the cutting board, cut them in half lengthwise, then smash each half with the rolling pin until the flesh cracks. Sprinkle with salt, add chicken bouillon powder, and drizzle soy sauce. Toss gently and let sit for 5 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Hot‑pot Broth
In the large pot, combine 2 L water, chicken bouillon cube, ginger slices, smashed garlic, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and the extra chicken bouillon powder. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Boiling
Arrange Hot‑pot Ingredients
Place the sliced beef, potatoes, yam, and tomatoes on a serving platter. This makes it easy for everyone to add items to the pot.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Hot‑pot
Add the potatoes and yam to the simmering broth first; cook 5 minutes. Then add tomatoes and let them soften 2 minutes. Finally, add the beef slices; stir gently and cook until the beef changes color (about 1‑2 minutes).
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Simmer
Serve
Ladle hot broth and cooked ingredients into individual bowls. Serve the smashed cucumber salad on the side. Enjoy while the broth is hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Gluten (soy sauce may contain wheat)
Allergens: Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Powder: Chicken stock cube (crushed)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Beef Slices (Hot‑pot style): Thinly sliced pork, Tofu for vegetarian version
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Yam: Sweet potato
- Instead of Tomato: Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Cube: Vegetable bouillon cube
- Instead of Ginger: Garlic
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Soy Sauce (for broth): Tamari
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Smash the cucumber thoroughly before seasoning.
- Bring the broth to a rolling boil before adding any vegetables.
- Add denser vegetables (potatoes, yam) first to ensure even cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use cold water when smashing cucumber; it helps retain crunch.
- Thinly slice potatoes and yam so they cook quickly and evenly.
- A splash of rice vinegar in the cucumber salad adds brightness without overpowering.
Troubleshooting
Cucumber salad becomes watery.
After smashing, sprinkle extra salt and let it sit 5 minutes, then drain excess liquid before adding soy sauce.
Broth tastes bland.
Add an extra pinch of chicken bouillon or a splash more soy sauce; simmer an additional 5 minutes to concentrate flavor.
Beef turns tough.
Slice beef very thinly and remove it from the pot as soon as it changes color (1‑2 minutes).
Storage
Refrigerator: Cucumber salad: up to 2 days in an airtight container. Hot‑pot broth: up to 3 days.
Freezer: Broth can be frozen for up to 2 months; do not freeze cucumber salad.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat before cooking.
- Cucumber salad can be made 4‑6 hours ahead; keep it chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hot pot in Chinese cuisine?
Hot pot, known as "huǒguō," is a communal dining tradition that dates back over a thousand years in China. It originated as a way to share a simple broth and seasonal ingredients, fostering family togetherness and warmth, especially during cold or rainy weather.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chinese hot pot in Sichuan and Northern China?
Sichuan hot pot is famous for its fiery, numbing broth flavored with doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns, while Northern Chinese hot pot often uses a clear, mild broth with lamb and wheat noodles. Both styles emphasize dipping sauces and fresh vegetables.
How is hot pot traditionally served in Chinese households during the rainy season?
During rainy days, families gather around a simmering pot on the stove, adding hearty vegetables like potatoes, yam, and mushrooms, along with thinly sliced meat. The warm broth provides comfort and helps keep the home lively despite the gloomy weather.
What occasions or celebrations is hot pot traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
Hot pot is popular for family reunions, birthdays, Lunar New Year, and winter festivals. Its interactive nature makes it ideal for celebrations where everyone can participate in cooking and sharing food.
What makes the smashed cucumber salad special in Chinese home cooking?
Smashing the cucumber creates cracks that absorb seasoning quickly, giving a crunchy yet juicy texture. The simple combination of salt, chicken bouillon, and soy sauce highlights the cucumber’s freshness without overwhelming it.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this hot pot and cucumber salad recipe?
Common errors include over‑smashing the cucumber (making it mushy), adding all vegetables at once (resulting in uneven cooking), and over‑cooking the thin beef slices, which become tough. Follow the step order and timing for best results.
Why does this recipe use a rolling pin to smash the cucumber instead of a traditional pestle?
A rolling pin provides even pressure across the cucumber’s length, creating uniform cracks that let the seasoning penetrate fully. It’s also a kitchen tool most home cooks already have, making the technique accessible.
Can I make the hot pot broth ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the broth can be prepared a day in advance. Let it cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding the vegetables and meat.
What does the YouTube channel Rose & Anzai Country Life specialize in?
Rose & Anzai Country Life focuses on everyday family cooking, grocery hauls, and simple home‑cooked meals that suit a busy household. Their videos often feature practical tips for cooking with kids and making the most of seasonal ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Rose & Anzai Country Life's approach to Chinese comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Rose & Anzai Country Life emphasizes real‑life family dynamics, showing spontaneous grocery trips and collaborative cooking with children. Their style is less polished than professional chefs, offering relatable, down‑to‑earth instructions that fit a typical household schedule.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
