Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing and full of sweet, salty and spicy flavor.
Instead of neatly slicing the cucumber, it’s gently smashed before being broken into pieces. The rough edges created by smashing help the cucumber absorb much more dressing.
It’s a simple summer side for noodles, grilled meat, rice bowls or any meal that needs something fresh and crunchy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 Persian cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons chili crisp
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Smash the Cucumbers
Place the cucumbers on a cutting board.
Press gently with the flat side of a large knife until they crack.
Cut or tear them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Salt the Cucumbers
Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
Allow them to rest for 10 minutes.
Drain away the liquid released by the cucumbers.
3. Make the Dressing
Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili crisp, honey and garlic.
4. Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumber pieces and toss well.
Finish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve immediately or chill for about 15 minutes.
Tips
Draining the cucumber after salting keeps the dressing from becoming watery.
Start with one teaspoon of chili crisp and add more according to your preferred spice level.
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The cucumber will gradually soften, so the salad tastes best on the first day.
FAQ
Why smash cucumbers?
The broken surfaces hold onto dressing better than smooth slices.
Can I use regular cucumber?
Yes. If it has many large seeds, remove some of the center first.
Is chili crisp very spicy?
Heat levels vary by brand, so start with a small amount.
