Chinese Spicy Smashed Cucumber (Printable Version)

Refreshing smashed cucumber salad tossed in a zesty garlicky soy and chili dressing with toasted sesame.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers (approximately 1.1 lbs), ends trimmed
02 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 - 1 to 2 teaspoons chili flakes, adjusted to taste
07 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
08 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
11 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Place cucumbers on a cutting board and gently smash with the flat side of a knife until they crack and split. Tear or cut into bite-sized pieces.
02 - Transfer the smashed cucumbers to a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to extract moisture. Drain and pat dry using paper towels.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chili flakes, minced garlic, and sugar until sugar is fully dissolved.
04 - Add the drained cucumber pieces and sliced scallions into the dressing. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
05 - Arrange salad on a serving platter, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and optional cilantro leaves on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like restaurant-quality in fifteen minutes flat, with zero cooking required.
  • The combination of sesame, garlic, and chili creates a flavor depth that makes you feel like you've discovered something secret.
  • It pairs with almost anything and actually gets better if you let it sit, so it's perfect for meal prep moments when you're thinking ahead.
02 -
  • Salting the cucumbers before dressing them is non-negotiable—skip this and you'll end up with a watery puddle instead of a crisp salad.
  • The dressing should coat the cucumbers evenly, so don't be shy with the whisking; a fork works fine if you don't have a whisk.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds yourself in a dry pan for about two minutes—they deepen in color and flavor, and the aroma will pull you in.
  • Use a microplane to mince your garlic even finer than you think necessary; the smaller it is, the more evenly it distributes through the dressing.
Go Back