How to make Smashed Cucumber Salad

Why cooks start here

Smashed Cucumber Salad is cooked the way northern tables cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a chinese family cook actually puts it on the table.

Smashed Cucumber Salad, a staple of northern Chinese tables, is a dish that brings the comfort of home cooking to life. Traditionally prepared with salt measured by feel and a generous use of fat, it's a recipe passed down through families, capturing the essence of shared meals and informal gatherings. This version stays true to its roots, echoing the way a Chinese family cook would present it at home. The salad offers a refreshing crunch, with cucumbers tenderized by a gentle smashing that allows them to soak up the flavors of garlic, Chinkiang vinegar, and sesame oil. The balance of savory soy sauce and a hint of sweetness from sugar creates a harmonious taste, making it an irresistible addition to any shared meal.