Dessert

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers; 1/2 tbsp white sugar; 1/2 tbsp salt (plus an additional 1/2 tsp salt for dressing); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1/2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil; 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 garlic cloves, grated; Red pepper flakes, to taste; Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

ByJeannette Jaeger February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

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Introduction

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish perfect for warm days or as a complement to flavorful mains. This salad combines crisp cucumbers with a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy dressing for a delightful burst of flavor.

A bowl filled with bright green cucumber pieces cut into small irregular chunks, mixed with a glossy brown sauce that lightly coats each piece. The cucumber chunks are sprinkled generously with small white sesame seeds and tiny red chili flakes, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled texture surface, creating a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 English cucumbers
1/2 tbsp white sugar
1/2 tbsp salt (plus 1/2 tsp salt for dressing)
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, grated
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then use a heavy kitchen object, such as a meat mallet, to gently smash them. After smashing, chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Toss the cucumber pieces with white sugar and 1/2 tbsp salt. Place the mixture in a colander set over a bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the excess liquid drain out.
Step 3: While the cucumbers chill, prepare the dressing by mixing soy sauce, honey, sesame oil (or olive oil), grated ginger, grated garlic, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl.
Step 4: Drain the cucumbers from the fridge and combine them with the dressing in a large bowl. Sprinkle red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level and toss well.
Step 5: Garnish with sesame seeds before serving and enjoy your crisp, flavorful salad!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted peanuts or cashews on top.
Use rice vinegar for a tangier dressing variation.
Adjust honey for sweetness or replace with maple syrup for a vegan option.
If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be briefly reheated to room temperature if needed. Note that cucumbers may release more liquid over time, so drain any excess before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with chopped cucumber pieces that have a bright green outer skin and a light green inside. The cucumber pieces are roughly cut into chunky, uneven pieces and are coated in a slightly glossy light yellow sauce. White sesame seeds are sprinkled evenly over the cucumbers along with small flakes of red chili, adding spots of texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the fresh and clean look of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but peeling them first is recommended as regular cucumbers have a thicker skin and more seeds, which can affect texture.

How long should I smash the cucumbers?

Just press firmly enough to crack the cucumbers without completely crushing them. This helps the cucumbers absorb the dressing better while maintaining their crunch.