Szechuan Cucumbers
Transform your cucumber game with this irresistible recipe for Szechuan Cucumbers, a vibrantly spiced and tangy side dish bursting with bold flavors. Crisp, juicy cucumbers are smashed to absorb a savory dressing made with dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fragrant sesame oil. Toasted Szechuan peppercorns and crushed chili flakes lend an authentic and tongue-tingling kick, while garlic, scallions, and sesame seeds elevate the dish with fresh, aromatic layers. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy appetizer or side dish is perfect for adding a spicy, refreshing twist to your next meal. Serve chilled for maximum flavor impact—this is Szechuan cooking at its simplest and most delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.
Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise and then cut them into 2-inch sections. Use the flat side of a knife or cleaver to gently smash each cucumber section to break the flesh slightly.
Sprinkle the cucumbers with kosher salt and toss to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
While the cucumbers marinate, toast the Szechuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes until aromatic. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and grind into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed Szechuan peppercorns, chili flakes, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. Set the dressing aside.
Drain the cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any residual moisture.
Place the cucumbers in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss thoroughly to coat.
Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
270 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.2 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2764 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.7 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 6.7 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 134 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 864 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
