Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
This refreshing Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad features crunchy cucumbers smashed to release their flavor and tossed in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy dressing made from soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame or olive oil. Finished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and sesame seeds, this easy no-cook salad is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, offering a cool and crisp contrast to bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumbers
- 2 English cucumbers
Seasoning and Dressing
- 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
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Smash the Cucumbers: Cut each English cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a heavy kitchen object like a meat mallet to gently smash them. This breaks down the cucumbers to absorb flavors better. After smashing, chop them into bite-size pieces.
- Salt and Drain: Toss the cucumber pieces with 1/2 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 tablespoon salt. Place the mixture in a colander set over a bowl, then refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp salad texture.
- Prepare the Dressing: While cucumbers chill, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame or olive oil, grated fresh ginger, grated garlic, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Whisk until ingredients are well blended.
- Combine and Season: Remove cucumbers from the fridge and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly. Add red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty finishing touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a crisp, flavorful appetizer or side.
Notes
- You can substitute English cucumbers with Persian cucumbers if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
- Letting cucumbers sit longer in the salt and sugar mixture intensifies crunchiness and removes bitterness.
- For vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Keywords: Chinese cucumber salad, smashed cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, no-cook salad, refreshing side dish, Asian cucumber salad
Find it online: https://topreci.com/chinese-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe/
