Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (Pai Huang Gua)

Understated yet so refreshingly cool. We adore Chinese smashed cucumber salad (pai huang gua 拍黃瓜). This is a 15 minute side dish full of crunchy texture and garlicky tangy flavours that are a perfect companion to rich or spicy foods and hot weather.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Simplicity at its best. Smashed cucumber salad, AKA pai huang gua 拍黃瓜, is a popular Chinese side dish that has been on family tables and restaurants for as long as forever.

I adore this classic Chinese side dish recipe because it is simple, yet the flavours and textures are so addictive.

The refreshing crunchy smashed cucumbers match well with the appetising blend of punchy garlic, aromatic sesame oil and soy vinegar dressing. And the flavours are enhanced even more as the dressing seeps into the smashed craggy shapes of the cucumber.

The light, subtle flavours of this cucumber salad lends it to be the perfect side dish. I find the tangy flavours help cut through the heavier meals. It is a fantastic companion for braised pork belly, roast duck, Lanzhou noodle soups, stir fries, Korean BBQ and grilled meats.

Chinese smashed cucumber salad is often served as an appetiser in restaurants, and often eat a whole plate by itself!

Why Do We Smash The Cucumber?

This is genuinely a classic Chinese technique. I am not smashing the cucumber because I feel like it. When we smash and bruise cucumber, there are definite benefits:

• Smashing cracks the skins and helps release the seeds and more natural sweetness.
• It also creates different shapes of cucumber compared to just slicing it, which adds to the texture of the salad.
• And finally, it creates extra nooks and crannies where the dressing can seep in and enhance the flavours.

How To Smash Cucumber?

I used a heavy cleaver (flat side) to smash my cucumber, but you can use any heavy object in the kitchen. A meat mallet, rolling pin or pestle will work fine.

You place the cucumbers flat on the chopping board and you start to smash the cucumbers with your cleaver or mallet. Similar to if you were tenderising meat. However, don’t go all out as we want to achieve smashed chunks of cucumber, not smashed mush.

Once the cucumber cracks and splits, you can stop. The flesh will break down a little, and you will see some of the seeds fly out.

I have seen some people put the cucumbers in a sandwich bag first and then bashed them in there to avoid it from going everywhere.

Is Cucumber Good For You?

Cucumbers have a natural cooling effect as it has high water content. A great vegetable to eat to keep you hydrated. That is also why you see it used as a beauty product to add coolness and reduce inflammation.

If you love cucumber and wonder what goes with cucumber, we’ve created a comprehensive list for your everyday inspiration.

According to Medical News Today, cucumbers are high in vitamins K which is great for bone health, fantastic for hydration due to it’s high water content and a good source of potassium which is good for one’s heart health.

I believe the Chinese smashed cucumber salad pai huang gua recipe was created specifically because of its cooling agent. The chilled smashed cucumber salad is fantastic on summer days, and it will balance the heat and richness of the heavy dishes that it is often served with.

If you like other Asian cucumber side dishes, you should also try our Silken Tofu Recipe with Pickled Cucumber, Korean cucumber salad (Oi Muchim) or Pak Choy Salad.

Which Cucumber To Use?

For this pai huang gua recipe, I used Lebanese / Persian cucumbers. I find the smaller size works well when bashing them, and they have thinner skin and a nice sweet crunch.

You can also use English cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers if available in your area. They all have thinner skins and juicy and tender seeds in the middle, making it easier to bash and mingle with the salad dressing.

Recipe Overview

Flavour/Texture: The cucumbers deliver great crunch, and together with soy vinegar dressing in this pai huang gua recipe, there is a whole load of unassuming flavour. The raw crushed garlic adds the final punch with a bit of warmth and aromates.

Ease: It really can’t get much easier than smashing and cutting cucumbers and adding a simple dressing. Let the ingredients and time do their work.

Time: I salted my cucumbers to draw out the excess water, so it added another 10 minutes, but otherwise, you can easily make this recipe in less than 10 minutes.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad:

Cucumber: Regardless of which variety of cucumbers you use for smashed cucumbers, make sure you choose fresh cucumbers. Look for ones that are firm to hold and not spongy or soft to feel.

The ends are rounded and not starting to wrinkle because that means it is past its prime. Avoid those that have blemishes and have begun to turn yellow.

Garlic: This is to add oomph to the salad. You can finely chop the garlic, or I used a grater and grated my garlic into the salad dressing.

Soy sauce: A quintessential Chinese seasoning, soy sauce adds salt and umami flavours. If you need a gluten free recipe, use tamari instead.

Rice vinegar: I have used rice wine vinegar for this recipe, but you can also use Chinese black vinegar, which is common in similar recipes.

Sesame oil: Nutty flavours of sesame oil lifts the soy and rice vinegar. Together the three (soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil) form the base of many Asian salad dressings. However, you don’t need a lot of sesame oil as it can be quite intense compared to other oils.

Chilli oil: Optional seasoning for pai huang gua if you prefer a spicy version. I normally use Lao Gan Ma crisp chilli oil for the extra flavour.

Variations and Substitutions

Additional seasoning: You can add extra toppings or seasoning to pai huang gua, including scallions/spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, chilli flakes, and chopped coriander. All add different aromates and fresh flavours.

Alternative ways to smash cucumber: I have seen people place the cucumbers in a sandwich bag, seal and then lightly smash the cucumbers inside the bag. It will help reduce the splatter.

Substitute for rice wine vinegar: If you don’t have rice wine vinegar at home, apple cider vinegar will work or use Chinese black vinegar. Chinese black vinegar has a deeper aromatic flavour compared to rice wine vinegar which is lighter and cleaner. I would probably use a little more sugar if I used black vinegar.

Gluten free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten free side salad.

Instructions

Step by step instructions for how to make Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad:

How To Prepare Cucumber

Wash cucumbers and place on chopping board. No need to peel cucumbers.

Use a heavy object to smash the cucumbers. I used a heavy cleaver knife, but you can also use a meat mallet, rolling pin or pestle.

Once the cucumber cracks and splits, you can stop smashing. The flesh will break down a little, and you will see some of the seeds fly out.

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 excessive moisture.

Drain excess water and place cucumber back in bowl ready to be dressed.

How to Make the Salad Dressing

Finely chop or grate garlic.

In a small mixing bowl, add chopped garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and sugar together.

Mix well until sugar has dissolved.

How to Assemble the Salad

Add salad dressing over the smashed cucumber.

Mix well.

Transfer to serving bowl. Add chilli oil if you prefer a spicy version.

Serve.

Great Mains for This Salad

What to serve with Chinese smashed cucumber salad? Try these delicious Asian recipes!

For a truly nostalgic meal, serve the smashed cucumber salad with this amazing egg roll recipe. For those who need some protein with a side of steaming hot rice, you can’t go past this cashew chicken stir fry or stir-fried garlic scapes with pork & tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions

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One of my favourite Chinese side dishes, pai huang gua is so simple to make and is the perfect appetiser or side dish for many occasions.

I am more than happy to eat Chinese smashed cucumber salad with a big bowl of cold noodles and peanut sauce during the summer or serve it with braised pork belly and steamed rice during winter. A great addition to your festive and Lunar new year celebrations as well.

This is one of those classic easy Chinese side dishes that never get old or go out of fashion—simple, good food.

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