Spicy smashed cucumbers in a garlic-chili sesame dressing
Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4
3 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Asian Cucumber Salad
Spicy smashed cucumbers in a garlic-chili sesame dressing
★4.3(9)
A bold, addictive Asian cucumber salad with smashed cucumbers marinated in a spicy garlic-chili sesame dressing.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This Asian cucumber salad is the viral smashed cucumber dish that has taken over social media for good reason. Smashing the cucumbers creates jagged edges that soak up the bold garlic-chili dressing like a sponge.
The combination of rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili creates a dressing so addictive you will want to drink it. It comes together in minutes and is the perfect cool, crunchy side for any Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Place cucumbers on a cutting board and smash with the flat side of a knife until they crack open. Tear into rough pieces.
- 2
Toss smashed cucumbers with a pinch of salt and let drain in a colander for 10 minutes.
- 3
Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, chili crisp, and a pinch of sugar.
- 4
Squeeze excess water from the cucumbers and toss with the dressing.
- 5
Top with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Substitutions
Chili crispRed pepper flakes with sesame oil
Less complex but still spicy.
Rice vinegarBlack vinegar (Chinkiang)
More authentic and complex.
Soy sauceTamari
A gluten-free alternative.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not skip the salting and draining step — it prevents a watery salad.
Chili crisp (like Lao Gan Ma) is the best choice for an authentic, deeply savory kick.
Add crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
Storage
Best served within 2 hours. The cucumbers release water as they sit.
Reheating
Salads are best enjoyed fresh and do not require reheating. If you have leftover dressed salad, it may be slightly wilted but still edible within a few hours.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (3/4 cup) · 4 servings
Calories60
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates6g
Fat2g
Fiber1g
Sugar1g
Sodium380mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why smash instead of slice?
- Smashing creates rough, irregular edges that soak up the dressing much better than smooth slices.
- What is chili crisp?
- A Chinese condiment made of chili flakes, oil, and crunchy bits. Lao Gan Ma is the most popular brand.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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