Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
A refreshing and tangy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers dressed in a savory soy-honey dressing with a hint of garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. This light and easy salad is perfect as a side dish or a quick snack.
- 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
- 1/2 tbsp white sugar
- 1/2 tbsp salt (for cucumbers)
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
- 1/2 tsp salt (for dressing)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Smash the cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then use a heavy kitchen object like a meat mallet to smash them. This helps release their flavor and makes them easier to cut. Then chop the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss and drain excess liquid: Toss the cucumber pieces with sugar and salt, then place them in a colander set over a bowl. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow excess water to drain out, ensuring a crisp salad texture.
- Prepare the dressing: While cucumbers are draining, mix together soy sauce, honey, sesame or olive oil, grated ginger, grated garlic, and salt in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine salad and dressing: Remove cucumbers from the fridge and gently toss them with the prepared dressing in a large bowl. Add red pepper flakes to your taste preference and mix evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the dressed cucumber salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch. Enjoy immediately or chilled.
Notes
- Smashing the cucumbers allows the dressing to penetrate better and adds a rustic texture.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on desired spice level.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the sesame seeds lightly before garnishing.
- This salad tastes best when served fresh but can keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Substitute honey with agave or maple syrup for a vegan option.
Keywords: Chinese cucumber salad, smashed cucumber, Asian cucumber salad, no-cook salad, light Asian side dish
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/chinese-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe/
