Crispy and Refreshing Chinese-Style ‘Oi Tangtangyi’ (Smashed Cucumber Salad)
Kim Ga-yeon’s Special Recipe! Savory and Sweet ‘Oi Tangtangyi’ to Boost Your Appetite (Chinese Cucumber Salad)
As the weather gets warmer, we naturally crave cool and refreshing dishes. This ‘Oi Tangtangyi,’ made with water-rich cucumbers, is a magical dish that revives your appetite with its sweet and sour flavor. It offers a different charm compared to traditional spicy cucumber salads and is so delicious that a whole plate disappears in an instant! Let’s start making this simple yet special seasonal dish, Chinese-style Oi Tangtangyi, right now. It’s perfect for those times when your appetite feels sluggish, making your chopsticks move faster!
Main Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.3 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt
- 2 Tbsp Ground Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.3 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt
- 2 Tbsp Ground Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cucumbers are composed of over 95% water, making them a refreshing and crisp ingredient. They are widely used in fresh salads, kimchi, pickles, and more. Their unique fragrance, crunchy texture, and bumpy surface add to their appeal. Cucumbers are rich in hydration and potassium, which help quench thirst and expel waste from the body. They also contain Vitamin C, beneficial for skin health and fatigue recovery. To choose fresh cucumbers, look for ones with fresh stems, firm flesh, and a size that is not too thick with a uniform shape. When eating raw, rubbing them with coarse sea salt and then rinsing them under water can help remove bitterness. The stem ends can be particularly bitter and may have residual pesticides, so it’s best to trim them off. When storing cucumbers, after washing and thoroughly drying them, wrap each one individually in paper towel or plastic wrap and store them upright in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
Step 2
The foundation of any dish lies in proper washing and preparation of ingredients. Rub the surface of the cucumbers with coarse sea salt, then rinse them under water. Since the stem ends can be bitter and potentially hold residual pesticides, it’s recommended to trim off both ends of the cucumber.
Step 3
Feeling stressed lately? Or perhaps there’s someone you don’t quite like? (Laughs) This is the perfect moment for some stress relief! Place the washed cucumbers into a kitchen plastic bag. Lightly hold the opening of the bag and gently tap the cucumbers with a rolling pin or mallet to break down their structure. This process softens them and helps them absorb flavors better. If you don’t use a bag, the cucumbers might fly everywhere, leading to more cleaning and thus more stress instead of relief!
Step 4
As you smash the cucumbers, their moisture content increases, releasing a wonderful fresh aroma. Now, break the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm) by hand. Their natural, irregular shapes can actually make them look more appealing.
Step 5
Transfer all the prepared cucumber pieces into a large bowl. Add the minced garlic and vinegar, which will provide the base sourness.
Step 6
Next, add the unrefined sugar for sweetness and the coarse sea salt for a savory touch. For a richer nutty flavor, it’s best to use ground sesame seeds. Add 2 tablespoons of ground sesame seeds.
Step 7
Now it’s time to mix everything together. Gently toss the ingredients with a spoon or lift the bowl and gently toss it from side to side to combine. This creates a delicious Oi Tangtangyi. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can make the cucumbers mushy; a gentle mix is key.
Step 8
Arrange the finished Oi Tangtangyi on a serving plate. Finally, sprinkle some more ground sesame seeds on top for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful garnish. Your dish is ready!
Step 9
This Oi Tangtangyi tastes great immediately, but it’s even better when chilled in the refrigerator for a while. Enjoy the enhanced sweet and sour flavor and the extra crispiness! This refreshing cucumber side dish is truly a delight.
Step 10
As we move from spring directly into summer without much time to savor the season, a single refreshing and delicious cucumber dish can be all you need, making other side dishes unnecessary. For those hot summer days when your appetite fades, what could be better than this cucumber dish to stimulate your taste buds? How about trying this simple Chinese-style Oi Tangtangyi recipe at home? You won’t regret it!
