Chinese cucumber salad

This refreshing  cucumber salad is a quick and easy side dish that packs a punch of flavor. Perfect for a light meal or as an accompaniment to your favorite main course—dumplings.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 seedless cucumbers
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 teaspoons chili oil
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 long red chili, chopped (optional)
• 2 spring onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Place a large knife flat against the cucumber and smack with your other hand to bruise and crack open. Repeat along the full length of each cucumber.
2. Cut the smacked cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, make the dressing by mixing together salt, sugar, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili oil, and toasted sesame seeds.
4. Transfer the cucumber pieces to a mixing bowl, and add the chopped red chili and spring onions.
5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to combine.
6. Let the salad marinate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

• For extra heat, increase the amount of chili oil or add the optional chopped red chili.