mix cucumber with pig ears

Cucumber and Pig Ear Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cucumber and pig ear salad is a popular Chinese appetizer loved for its crispy, refreshing, and savory flavors. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make it at home.

Ingredients: 200g cooked pig ears, thinly sliced; 1 cucumber, julienned; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sesame seeds.

Steps:

1. Prep the pig ears: If using raw pig ears, boil them with ginger and scallions for 30 minutes until tender, then cool and slice thinly. For pre-cooked ones, simply rinse and slice.

2. Prepare the cucumber: Peel the cucumber (optional), halve lengthwise, and remove seeds. Julienne it into thin strips and lightly salt for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then squeeze dry.

3. Make the dressing: Mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.

4. Combine: In a large bowl, toss sliced pig ears, cucumber, chili (if using), and the dressing evenly. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.

5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and extra chili oil if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

This salad balances crunchiness from the pig ears and cucumber with a zesty, umami-rich dressing, making it perfect for summer gatherings or everyday meals!