More Than Our Story

Chinese Cucumber Salad

Chinese Cucumber Salad.

Total Time: 40 minutes (Prep: 10 minutes, Stand: 30 minutes)

Yields: 6-8 servings

Plant-Based

Table of Contents

Inspiration

Known for its balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors, Chinese cucumber salad (拍黄瓜) is a crunchy, refreshing dish commonly served as a cold appetizer in Chinese cuisine. The cucumbers are typically smashed, helping them absorb the dressing. It can be eaten immediately, but trust us; you’ll want to let it soak in all the delicious flavors. 

Ingredients

  • 2 large cucumbers (preferably English or Persian)
  • Sea salt, pinch

Dressing

  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon chili oil or red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Preparations

Prepare the Cucumbers

  1. Wash and trim the ends of the cucumbers.
  2. Smash the cucumbers lightly with a rolling pin or the side of a knife to break them open, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Place the cucumber pieces in a bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toss. 
  4. Let sit for 20 minutes.

Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

Assemble the Salad

  1. Rinse cucumbers to remove excess salt, and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss the cucumbers with the dressing until well-coated.
  3. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro.

Chill and Serve

  1. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes (or longer) for the flavors to meld. Then, place it in the fridge to serve chilled.
  2. Serve.

Tips

  • This dish is best eaten immediately but can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
Picture of Daniel

Daniel

Daniel is an extremely curious person, a wealth of random knowledge and facts. Extremely passionate about a vast array of interests ranging from health to history, science to athletics, everything culinary and the list goes on. Trust us, you would want to be on his team for Trivial Pursuit. Daniel is also years into his battle with brain cancer. He experienced a seizure while on a Zoom call at work in late 2020 and quite literally, his life changed within minutes. After his operation he started to talk about his story but had always known it was more than just him. From then, More Than Our Story became a PROJECT that has evolved into the starting point it is today.

Related Recipes

Recipes

Looking for a spicy crowd pleaser? This dish can be tailored to meet any dietary restrictions, and is best made with leftover rice. So get ready to heat things up!

Recipes

With the same nutty smell and fluffy texture, if you love popcorn, you’re going to love popped sorghum. Its tiny size is so adorable you’re going to want to incorporate this in

Recipes

Homemade applesauce is a healthy, easy to make snack, perfect for anytime, that provides an energy boost before or during longer workouts.

Recipes

Braised Cabbage and Onions Total Time: 90 Minutes Serves: 6 Plant-Based Table of Contents Inspiration This spicy, warming and comforting winter dish will steal your heart and quick

Recipes

This tapenade recipe is so good it will keep you coming back and looking for new ways to enjoy it, and trust us the possibilities are endless.

Recipes

Made from a spicy, umami blend of chilis, oil, garlic, nuts and peppercorns - chili crisp is one topper you’re not going to want to miss out on.

Recipes

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend used widely throughout the Middle East, that pairs with anything: dips, breads, vegetables, and meats.

Recipes

Served as a cold appetizer in Chinese cuisine, this crunchy and refreshing dish has the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Recipes

Like a South American salsa, this condiment with tomato, chilies, onion, cilantro, garlic, oil, and vinegar goes great with everything!

Recipes

Toum is a heavenly Lebanese garlic sauce. It goes well with all dishes and makes a delicious, vegan-friendly, plant-based alternative to mayonnaise.

Recipes

Traditional sushi cones have evolved, with soy wraps emerging as a new, popular and versatile twist on the traditional form.

Recipes

A Fall favorite in our household, butternut squash soup is a healthy, hearty, and heavenly dish that is surprisingly uncomplicated to make.

Recipes

Figs are not only a delicious, low-calorie snack, they also offer a variety of potential health benefits. This recipe for fresh fig salad is sure to please.

Recipes

Heirloom tomatoes are hands down the best tomatoes you can buy. Not only are they tasty, they make a beautiful centerpiece on your table to wow your guests

Recipes

Ras El Hanout,”head of shop”, is a North African spice blend of the best spices the seller has to offer.

Recipes

This soup is perfect for the season - warm and comforting with a hint of nutmeg. It’s also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time and warmed up when your guests are ready

Recipes

An absolute beauty! This delicious, spicy, plant-based soup will warm your soul from the inside and scorch your tongue on the outside.

Recipes

Bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar and a chili kick, our tantalizing Chimichurri recipe will teleport your taste buds to Argentina.

Recipes

A delicious raw beet salad packed with antioxidants and compounds beneficial to heart and brain-health that may even help fight cancer.

Recipes

A great mango salsa recipe with enough kick to light you up! Ideal for shrimp or lobster, and great on tacos.

Recipes

Salsa verde is a super easy and healthy way to notch up the flavor of any dish. It's perfect with chips, topping a bowl, or as a marinade.

Recipes

Great with raw vegetables, crackers or bread! Learn to make your own hummus base, along with five delicious flavor variations.