Crisp cucumbers with garlic, sesame, and black vinegar
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumbers with garlic, sesame, and black vinegar
A refreshing Chinese cucumber salad with jagged smashed pieces that catch every bit of the garlicky, sesame-laced dressing.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Smashed cucumber salad is one of the best side dishes to keep in rotation because it is cheap, fast, and wakes up heavier mains instantly. Smashing the cucumbers is not a gimmick; it gives you better texture and more dressing cling.
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp black vinegar or extra rice vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili crisp
- Sesame seeds for serving
PrepDaily Use
Test Kitchen Pick
Chef Knife
Helpful Tool
Why a sharp knife helps here
When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.
This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.
- Speeds up chopping and slicing
- Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating
A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.
Shop chef knife options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Smash the cucumbers with the flat side of a knife or rolling pin, then break them into bite-size pieces.
- 2
Toss with a generous pinch of salt and let them drain for 10 minutes.
- 3
Whisk together the garlic, vinegars, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili crisp.
- 4
Pat the cucumbers dry and toss them with the dressing.
- 5
Finish with sesame seeds and serve cold.
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
Black vinegarRice vinegar
Rice vinegar is brighter and less malty but still delicious
Chili crispRed pepper flakes
Use a smaller amount and add it directly to the dressing
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Rice Vinegar
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the rice vinegar matters
This recipe wants a softer acidity than standard distilled vinegar. Rice vinegar keeps the flavor cleaner and more balanced.
It sharpens the dish without making it harsh.
- Brighter finish without aggressive acidity
- Useful across dressings, sauces, and quick pickles
Rice vinegar is one of those pantry staples that quietly improves a lot of weeknight cooking.
Shop rice vinegar for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
English or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
Serve it very cold for maximum contrast next to rich mains.
Storage
Best eaten within a few hours, though it can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Reheating
No reheating needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories80
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates7g
Fat5g
Fiber1g
Sugar4g
Sodium260mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it less spicy?
- Yes. Skip the chili crisp and keep the rest of the dressing as-is.
- Why smash the cucumbers?
- It creates rough edges that absorb dressing better than clean slices.
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.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
You Might Also Like
Indian
Indian Paneer Tikka Sheet Pan
A sheet pan version of paneer tikka with yogurt-spiced paneer, peppers, and onions roasted until browned at the edges and ready for wraps, bowls, or a simple dinner plate.
40 min
Easy
Mediterranean
Keto Greek Chicken Meatball Bowls
A low-carb bowl with juicy Greek-style chicken meatballs, cucumber salad, feta, and a quick yogurt sauce that still feels fresh and generous.
40 min
Easy
Paleo Salmon Sweet Potato Hash
A skillet hash with crisp-edged sweet potatoes, flaky salmon, and greens that works for brunch but is strong enough for dinner too.
35 min
Easy
Thai
Thai Larb Gai Lettuce Cups
A bright Thai-inspired minced chicken salad packed with lime, herbs, and toasted rice powder, served in crisp lettuce cups for a fast dinner or party platter.
25 min
Easy
French
French Baked Eggs Florentine
A brunch-ready dish of creamed spinach and eggs baked in ramekins until the whites are set and the yolks stay soft enough for toast.
33 min
Easy