Smashed Cucumber Salad

Name: Smashed Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers); 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp); 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 2 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced

Rustic smashed cucumbers marinated in a bold Chinese dressing of garlic, chili oil, rice vinegar, and sesame for a refreshing salad with craggy edges that soak up every drop of flavor.

15 minEasyServes 470 cal/serving

ChineseSaladNo-CookVeganLow CarbDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

2 English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
1 tsp kosher salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp)
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp granulated sugar
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
2 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced

Instructions

1

Place each of the 2 English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers) on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a heavy knife or a rolling pin, smash firmly until the skin cracks and the cucumber splits open. Tear and cut into rough 1-2 inch pieces.
2

Transfer smashed cucumber pieces to a colander set over a bowl. Toss with 1 tsp kosher salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
3

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp chili oil (or chili crisp), 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tsp granulated sugar to form the dressing.
4

Add the dried cucumber pieces and 2 thinly sliced green onion (scallion) to the dressing. Toss well to coat.
5

Sprinkle with 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately, or chill for up to 15 minutes for deeper flavor.

Questions

Can I make Smashed Cucumber Salad gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Smashed Cucumber Salad keep?

Dressed, it is best the day it is made. Keep the components separate and refrigerated and they hold about two days; dress just before serving.

Can I halve or double Smashed Cucumber Salad?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. There is no cooking pitfall here; the quantities simply scale.

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