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Flavorful Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Chili Crisp and Sesame Oil

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A quick and easy smashed cucumber salad featuring a spicy, nutty chili crisp and toasted sesame oil dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish with a satisfying crunch and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 2 medium English cucumbers. Trim off the ends, then cut into roughly 2-inch chunks. Place them in a large bowl.
  2. Using a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or the flat side of a heavy knife, gently smash each cucumber piece just enough to crack the skin and lightly bruise the flesh—about 1-2 seconds per piece. Avoid turning the cucumbers into mush.
  3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt evenly over the smashed cucumbers. Toss gently and set aside for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Drain and pat dry with paper towels to keep the salad crisp.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Whisk or shake until well blended.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. Let the salad sit for at least 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
  6. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Notes

Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid mushy texture. Salt cucumbers and pat dry to keep salad crisp. Use fresh chili crisp for best flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Keep dressing separate if making ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, chili crisp, sesame oil, quick salad, easy side dish, Asian cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, gluten-free salad

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