Smacked Cucumbers

"A common appetizer in the Hunan province of China, smacked cucumbers got their name because of the way you whack the cucumbers with the flat of a cleaver blade to encourage them to absorb the flavors of the dressing. From the Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook."
 
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photo by lazyme photo by lazyme
photo by lazyme
photo by lazyme photo by lazyme
Ready In:
40mins
Ingredients:
12
Serves:
4
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ingredients

  • 1 (13 ounce) cucumbers
  • salt
  • Version 1

  • 2 teaspoons salted chilies, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 -3 pinches sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • chili oil
  • Version 2

  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes
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directions

  • Place the cucumber on a cutting board and whack hard, several times, with the flat of a cleaver blade, so the vegetable splinters and opens up with jagged cracks, then chop it into bite-size pieces.
  • Place in a bowl; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and leave about 30 minutes.
  • When the time is up, drain off the water in the bowl.
  • To make Version 1, add the chopped salted chiles, garlic, vinegar, sugar and salt to taste; mix well and leave for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. Just before serving, add the sesame oil and chili oil to taste; toss and serve.
  • To make Version 2, add the garlic and vinegar to the cucumber with more salt to taste, mix well and set aside for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. Heat the oil in a wok over a high flame until smoking. Scatter the chili flakes over the cucumber, then sprinkle the hot oil over, which will sizzle; mix well and serve.

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Reviews

  1. Great side dish. I made version 1, but had to sub chili flakes for the salted chilies. We love our veggies, so the two of us ate this along with some other dishes.
     
  2. I have to admit that I tried to 'smack' a poor cucumber to death with a cleaver and all that happened was that I made a lot of noise and the cutting board scooted across the counter. I finally grabbed a meat mallet and voila! That smacked the poor cucumber to pieces. I made version 2 and we really enjoyed it. I added a little more chili flakes as we enjoy the spice. I can also see a little minced ginger in this too. Thanks Jen for a great, refreshing side dish - and one that allowed me to vent my frustrations on a poor innocent cucumber!
     
  3. These are sooooo delicious with steamed pork belly and coriander salad!!!!!!
     
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