How To Make Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad (Pickles) l Sichuan Style Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound English Cucumber (thin‑skinned, low seed count; washed and ends trimmed)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
• 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Scallions (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Chili Flakes (optional, adjust heat to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for hot‑oil pouring)
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
• 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil)
• 2 teaspoons Light Soy Sauce (Chinese light soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Black Vinegar (Chinese black rice vinegar)

Instructions

1. Wash and Trim Cucumbers

   Rinse the cucumbers under cold water, trim the ends, and pat dry.

   Time: PT5M

2. Smash the Cucumbers

   Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the cucumbers, then firmly press and smash them with the blunt side of a knife or a wooden pestle until the skin cracks and the flesh is bruised.

   Time: PT5M

3. Roughly Chop

   Remove the cucumbers from the wrap, cut each cucumber into thirds lengthwise, then give a rough chop. No need to be neat.

   Time: PT5M

4. Salt and Sugar the Cucumbers

   Place the chopped cucumbers in a colander set over a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar, toss to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to draw out excess water.

   Time: PT2M

5. Prepare the Aromatic Sauce Base

   In a small bowl create a well in the center of the drained cucumbers. Add minced garlic, chopped scallions, and chili flakes.

   Time: PT3M

6. Hot‑Oil Pouring

   Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over high heat until a chopstick dropped in sizzles. Remove from heat and carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic‑scallion‑chili mixture, stirring quickly.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: high heat

7. Finish the Dressing

   Add 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tsp light soy sauce, and 2 tbsp black vinegar to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so the cucumbers are well coated.

   Time: PT3M

8. Second Chill (Optional)

   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

   Time: PT30M

9. Serve

   Serve the salad cold, straight from the fridge. It pairs perfectly with spicy Sichuan dishes.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

110

Protein

2g

Carbohydrates

5g

Fat

15g

Fiber

2g