🌿 here’s a quick and authentic recipe for the Chinese-style smashed cucumber salad you just showed me: ⸻ 🥒 Smashed Cucumber Salad (Pai Huang Gua) Ingredients (2–3 servings) • 2 large cucumbers (or 4–5 small ones) • 3–4 garlic cloves (finely chopped or minced) • 1–2 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar if not available) • 1 tsp sesame oil • 1–2 tsp chili oil (adjust to taste) • ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances flavor) • A pinch of salt • Fresh cilantro or spring onions for garnish • Crushed peanuts (optional, for crunch) ⸻ Instructions 1. Smash cucumbers – Place cucumbers on a cutting board, cover with the flat side of a large knife, and smash gently until they crack. Cut into bite-sized chunks. 2. Drain water – Lightly salt the cucumber pieces and let them sit 5–10 minutes. Drain excess water to keep salad crunchy. 3. Make dressing – In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, and sugar. 4. Mix together – Toss cucumbers with the dressing. Add cilantro or spring onion. 5. Serve – Top with crushed peanuts if you like. Enjoy cold or at room temperature. ⸻ ⚡ Tip: It tastes even better if you chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.