Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp
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.
Smashed cucumbers dressed in chili crisp, rice vinegar and garlic is the most refreshing and addictive side dish on the internet.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
main
sauce
seasoning
garnish
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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