Chinese Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 medium-sized cucumbers
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp hot chili oil (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 red chili peppers, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel cucumbers (optional):Use a vegetable peeler to roughly...: Peel cucumbers (optional):Use a vegetable peeler to roughly peel the cucumbers. Leaving some skin on is great for texture and contrast.

2. 2

   Smash cucumbers:Place a paper towel over each cucumber...: Smash cucumbers:Place a paper towel over each cucumber and gently smash with the flat side of a large knife or a meat pounder until cracked.

3. 3

   Cut and salt:Cut into 2-inch pieces and place...: Cut and salt:Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Add salt, toss, and let sit for 30 minutes. Drain any liquid afterward.

4. 4

   Add garlic and sugar:Mix in the minced garlic...: Add garlic and sugar:Mix in the minced garlic and sugar.

5. 5

   Make hot scallion oil:Heat vegetable oil in a...: Make hot scallion oil:Heat vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add chopped green onions, stir for a few seconds until fragrant, and pour the hot oil over the cucumber mixture.

6. 6

   Add remaining ingredients:Add chopped chili peppers (if using),...: Add remaining ingredients:Add chopped chili peppers (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil. Toss everything to combine.

7. 7

   Chill or serve:Let sit for 10–15 minutes, or...: Chill or serve:Let sit for 10–15 minutes, or refrigerate up to 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!