How to Make the Perfect Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp
Asian-Inspired · Easy · 10 min · 2 servings
This brutally simple TikTok cucumber salad smashes whole cucumbers to create jagged edges that grip the tangy garlicky chili crisp dressing in every bite. It is the 10-minute side dish that convinced millions of people that cucumbers could actually be exciting.
Why this recipe works
This Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole English cucumbers
- 2 tbsp chili crisp oil such as Lao Gan Ma
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Smash the Cucumbers
Place the whole cucumbers on a cutting board. Use the flat side of a large chef knife or a rolling pin to smash down the length of each cucumber with firm even pressure until they crack and split open. Cut the smashed cucumbers crosswise into rough 3 to 4 centimeter chunks.
Step 2: Salt and Rest
Transfer the smashed cucumber pieces to a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle generously with salt and toss to combine. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes so the salt draws out excess water which would otherwise dilute your dressing. Shake off the liquid and pat the cucumbers dry.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the chili crisp oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust by adding more chili crisp if you want more heat or more vinegar for extra tang.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the drained salted cucumber pieces to the dressing bowl and toss thoroughly so every jagged surface is coated in the glossy red dressing. Transfer to a serving dish and shower with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for an even more refreshing result.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chili crisp oil → sambal oelek plus a drizzle of plain sesame oil for a similar spicy depth
- rice vinegar → lime juice for a brighter more tropical acidic note
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the salting step which leaves too much water in the cucumbers causing the dressing to become watery and lose all its punchy intensity
- Cutting the cucumbers into neat uniform slices instead of smashing them which removes the jagged texture that is specifically designed to catch and hold the dressing
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 2g protein, 10g carbs, 8g fat, 2g fiber.
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