Spicy Chinese Cucumber Salad

This simple yet flavourful Chinese smashed cucumber salad, known as Pāi Huáng Guā, combines the crisp freshness of crunchy cucumber with the savoury depth of light soy sauce, tangy rice wine vinegar (or Chinkiang vinegar/Zhenjiang vinegar), and the nutty richness of sesame oil. Infused with raw garlic and optionally topped with sesame seeds, a spoonful of spicy crispy chili oil, it’s a quick and delicious side dish or snack that delivers a perfect balance of light and bold umami flavors. Whether you're using Persian cucumbers, Japanese cucumbers, mini cucumbers, or even English cucumbers, this is one of those easy cucumber salad recipes you’ll keep coming back to, especially in hot weather when cold dishes hit the spot.