Pai Huang Gua Aka Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipes

PAI HUANG GUA A.K.A. SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Wash your cucumbers and pat them dry, then place them on your chopping board.
• Then using something heavy such as food mallet or a rolling pin, whack the cucumbers so that they just burst open.
• Cut the cucumbers diagonally into small chunks, this way there is more surface area for your dressing to penetrate.
• Place the cucumbers in a colander sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and toss, let them stand for 20 minutes. We want to draw out some of the liquid so that the cucumbers are not too watery.
• Wash the chilli, remove the seeds then dice finely. Wash the coriander/cilantro, shake to remove to excess water, pat dry and roughly chop.
• Place all dressing ingredients in a glass jar, shake until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your liking.
• After the 20 minutes have passed drain the liquid from the smashed cucumbers, then pat dry. Place them in a mixing bowl.
• Add the diced chilli and coriander/cilantro, pour over the dressing then toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preferences.
• Arrange in a salad bowl and keep chilled until ready to serve.

CHINESE SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD (PAI HUANG GUA)

Steps:

• Place cucumber on chopping board.
• Use a heavy object like a mallet or cleaver to smash the cucumbers.
• Once the cucumber cracks and splits, you can stop smashing.
• Then slice the cucumber on a diagonal into bite sized chunks.
• Place in a mixing bowl and add salt.
• Mix and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to draw out the excess moisture.
• Drain excess water and place cucumber back in bowl ready to be dressed.
• Finely chop or grate garlic.
• In a small mixing bowl, add chopped garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and sugar together.
• Mix well until sugar has dissolved.
• Add salad dressing over the smashed cucumber. Mix well.
• Transfer to serving bowl. Add chilli oil if you prefer a spicy version.
• Serve.