Smacked cucumber (Pai huang gua)

Smacked Cucumber Salad (Pai Huang Gua)

Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tbsp black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar as an alternative)
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- chilli crisp, to serve

Method
1. Place the cucumber on a sturdy surface. Using the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin, lightly smack the cucumber five or six times to break it open slightly, but avoid smashing it into mush. Cut the cucumber into 10–12 bite-sized pieces at an angle.
2. Put the cucumber pieces in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat evenly. Let the cucumber sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, drain off any liquid that has been released.
3. Add the sugar, sesame seeds, black vinegar, and grated garlic to the cucumber pieces. Mix well to combine.
4. Transfer the cucumber salad to a serving bowl and garnish with chilli crisp to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!