Method
Smash the cucumber
Smash the cucumber and cut into chunks. If it releases a lot of water, toss with a small pinch of salt, rest for 5 minutes, then drain.
Mix the dace
Use half a can of fried dace. Crush the fish and use only a little of the canned oil. Mix with garlic, vinegar, chilli oil, and sugar.
Toss
Pour the dace mixture over the cucumber, toss well, and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Key Tips
- The canned fish is already salty, so extra salt or soy sauce is usually unnecessary
- Do not add all the canned oil or it will be greasy
- Cucumber balances the saltiness and richness of the dace
- The same topping also works with starch jelly, noodles, or congee