Smashed Cucumber”拍黄瓜”(pāi huáng guā).
When tasting this crispy, tender, and sweet cucumber, it brings endless satisfaction and joy. Each bite is a gratitude and reverence towards nature, as well as an ode to the simple and beautiful things in life. The process of smashing cucumbers is not just a culinary technique but also a soulful experience filled with a sense of tranquility. Smashing cucumbers is not only a culinary technique but also a spiritual feast full of inspiration. Standing in the vegetable garden, in the moment of slicing open the cucumber, it feels like merging with the earth and engaging in a conversation with nature. Every crunchy and delicious bite of cucumber is a gift from nature and a reflection of gratitude for this beautiful world. Throughout this process, there is a marvelous resonance with nature that allows us to feel the power of nature and the miracles of life.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 2 min | 2 min | 6 | crispy 、refreshing | Easy |
Ingredients for Smashed Cucumber:
| Cucumber | 200g |
| Salt | 3g |
| Sesame oil | 5g |
| Minced garlic | 5g |
| Peanut Rice | 10g |
| Suger | 3g |
| Small chili pepper | 5g |
Steps:
1.Prepare a cutting board and a sharp knife. Gently cut off the ends of the cucumber to make it stable and flat. Then, use the knife to peel off the cucumber’s skin. Starting from one end, apply moderate pressure with the blade along the length of the cucumber to easily remove the skin. Be careful to maintain an even thickness while peeling to avoid affecting the subsequent preparation process. Place the cucumber on the cutting board and use the back of the knife or a flat-bottomed pan to flatten it. Apply gentle force to make the cucumber shape flat, but avoid exerting too much pressure to prevent damaging its structure. Next, use a small spoon or other utensil to scoop out the core of the cucumber. This step is to remove excess moisture and seeds from the cucumber, maintaining its crisp texture and pure flavor. Once the core is scooped out, cut the cucumber into appropriate lengths and set aside.
2.After arranging the sliced cucumber on a plate, sprinkle it with a suitable amount of white sugar. Gently and evenly sprinkle the sugar over the cucumber, ensuring that each slice is marinated. Then, let the cucumber sit for 2 minutes, allowing the sugar to penetrate the cucumber. This will enhance the sweetness and texture of the cucumber. As time passes, you will notice a small amount of juice appearing on the surface of the cucumber slices. This is the result of the reaction between the sugar and the cucumber’s water content. This process not only increases the sweetness of the cucumber but also changes its texture, making it more tender and delicious. After 2 minutes, tilt the plate gently to drain any excess juice.
3.In the marinated cucumber, add a suitable amount of salt to adjust the taste and enhance the umami flavor. Then, add some finely minced garlic. The garlic will add a touch of spiciness and a special aroma to the cucumber, making the dish more flavorful. Next, pour in a small teaspoon of sesame oil. The aroma of sesame oil will blend with the refreshing texture of the cucumber, creating a unique flavor. Additionally, sprinkle some crushed peanuts, adding a rich texture and the fragrance of nuts to the cucumber. Finally, add a moderate amount of crushed chili pepper. The chili pepper will add a mild spicy taste to the cucumber, enriching the overall flavor profile. Once all the ingredients are added to the cucumber, gently mix them together. Ensure that each slice of cucumber is evenly coated with the seasonings, allowing every bite to be full of deliciousness.
Tips:
- Choose fresh cucumbers: Make sure to select cucumbers with a bright color and smooth surface. Fresh cucumbers will be more crisp and tender.
- Gentle tapping: When flattening the cucumber, apply gentle force to make it flat, but avoid using excessive pressure to prevent damaging its structure.
When a colorful and fragrant plate of “pai huang gua” (smashed cucumber) is served, it is truly admirable. Although the shape of the cucumber has changed, it still retains its fresh nature and embodies the gift of nature. Gently pick up a slice of smashed cucumber and put it into your mouth. The crisp texture intertwines with the unique sweetness, allowing you to experience the simplest yet most wonderful taste in the world. Smashed cucumber is not just a dish; it is also a tribute to nature and a pursuit of deliciousness. It teaches us how to savor the ordinary things in life with care and discover the beauty and joy within them. May each process of smashing cucumbers become a beautiful memory, and may each slice of smashed cucumber bring warmth and satisfaction to people’s lives.