How to Make the Perfect Crispy Smashed Cucumber Salad
Asian · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
Smashed cucumbers that absorb a bold tangy sesame dressing in all their jagged crevices for maximum flavor in every bite. A refreshing and addictive salad that comes together in just minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 medium English cucumbers
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely grated
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions thinly sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Smash the Cucumbers
Place each cucumber on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin, firmly smash the cucumber until it cracks and splits open. Cut the smashed cucumbers into rough bite-sized pieces about 4 centimeters long.
Step 2: Salt and Drain
Place the smashed cucumber pieces in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Toss to coat and allow to sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and ensures the dressing clings to the cucumbers rather than getting diluted.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and grated garlic until fully combined. Taste and adjust the balance of salty, sour, and spicy to your preference.
Step 4: Pat Dry and Dress
Pat the drained cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove as much surface moisture as possible. Transfer to a serving bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss thoroughly so every jagged piece is coated in the dressing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Scatter the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the dressed cucumbers. Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Do not dress too far in advance as the cucumbers will lose their crunch.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- soy sauce → tamari for a gluten-free version with the same umami depth
- chili oil → gochujang thinned with a little water for a Korean-inspired variation
- rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar for a similar mild acidity
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the salting step which results in a watery dressing that pools at the bottom of the bowl
- Dressing the salad too far in advance causing the cucumbers to become limp and soggy
- Not grating the garlic finely enough leaving harsh raw garlic chunks in the finished salad
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 3g protein, 9g carbs, 9g fat, 2g fiber.
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