This Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a burst of freshness, with crisp cucumbers coated in a tangy sesame dressing and complemented by a sprinkle of chili flakes. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for hot days, offering a cool contrast to more substantial dishes.
This salad can easily be customized add more chili if you prefer heat, or throw in some crushed peanuts or extra herbs to make it your own. It’s perfect as a side dish or light snack that pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual lunch, this vibrant salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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3 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cut the cucumbers into thick slices and place them on a cutting board. Using the side of a knife or a rolling pin, gently smash the cucumbers until they crack but remain intact.
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Sprinkle the smashed cucumbers with kosher salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their excess water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
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Toss the smashed cucumbers in the dressing, making sure they are well coated.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
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Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 70 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Delight
Cucumber salads are a beloved staple in many cuisines around the world, known for their crisp, refreshing texture and light, clean taste. Among the various cucumber-based recipes, the Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad stands out as a unique, flavorful twist on the classic. This simple yet irresistible dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying crunch. Perfect for any time of year, this salad is especially popular during warmer months when you crave something cool, light, and refreshing.
At its core, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a vibrant combination of cucumbers, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. By smashing the cucumbers, you release their juices, allowing the salad to soak up the tangy, savory dressing, giving it an extra layer of flavor and a delightful texture. The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this salad such a showstopper. It’s not only incredibly easy to prepare but also versatile enough to complement a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian meals or even served as a stand-alone dish.
The Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Cucumbers, the star of this dish, are often overlooked as a nutrient powerhouse. While they are mostly made up of water, which makes them hydrating and refreshing, they also pack a variety of health benefits. Cucumbers are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are rich in Vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting, and contain small amounts of Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. The high water content in cucumbers helps with hydration, especially during the hot summer months, keeping your body cool and refreshed.
In addition to being hydrating, cucumbers are low in calories, making them a great option for anyone watching their calorie intake. They’re also known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help in reducing bloating and improving digestion, thanks to the presence of fiber and antioxidants. When combined with other ingredients in the salad, such as garlic and sesame oil, the health benefits of this dish are further amplified, promoting heart health, digestion, and overall well-being.
The Art of Smashing Cucumbers
One of the unique features of Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is the technique used to prepare the cucumbers. Instead of slicing them into regular rounds or wedges, you smash them lightly, which serves two purposes. First, smashing the cucumbers creates more surface area for the dressing to penetrate, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The smashed cucumbers also break into irregular pieces, adding a delightful texture to the salad that is both crunchy and tender at the same time.
The smashing process also helps to release some of the cucumber’s water, which might otherwise dilute the flavors of the dressing. By salting the smashed cucumbers and allowing them to sit for a few minutes, the excess moisture is drawn out, making the salad even more flavorful. After the cucumbers are drained and patted dry, they are tossed with a savory dressing that consists of rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes. This combination of ingredients brings a balance of tanginess, richness, and a touch of heat that perfectly complements the cucumber’s mild flavor.
A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
The dressing used in Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a perfect marriage of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy elements. Rice vinegar gives the salad a pleasant acidity that balances out the richness of sesame oil, while sugar helps to mellow out the sharpness. Garlic, a beloved ingredient in many cuisines, adds depth and umami to the dish, and chili flakes bring just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds. This balance of flavors is what makes the salad so irresistible it’s not just refreshing, but also complex and savory.
Additionally, sesame seeds and fresh cilantro are used as garnishes, adding a subtle crunch and fresh, herbal note that rounds out the flavor profile of the dish. The combination of these ingredients results in a multi-dimensional taste experience, where every bite offers something new whether it’s the cool crunch of the cucumber, the kick of chili, or the earthy sesame flavor.
Versatility and Customization
One of the greatest things about Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is its versatility. It can easily be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs. If you love a little more heat, you can add extra chili flakes or even a dash of chili oil. For those who prefer a more mellow flavor, simply reduce the amount of garlic or skip the chili flakes altogether. The salad can also be made more substantial by adding ingredients like radishes, bell peppers, or even a protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
In addition, this salad can easily be customized to suit various dietary preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for people with different dietary restrictions. If you’re looking to make it even healthier, you can use a lighter version of sesame oil or opt for a sugar substitute.
The salad also pairs wonderfully with a variety of cuisines. Whether you’re serving it alongside a barbecue, as a starter for an Asian-inspired meal, or as a side dish to complement a fresh, light main course, this cucumber salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It also works great as a snack or light lunch, especially when you’re craving something healthy yet satisfying.
CHINESE Smashed Cucumber Salad for Any Occasion
Thanks to its simplicity and vibrant flavors, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply preparing a meal for yourself, this salad will impress. It’s a great option for summer barbecues and picnics, as it is light and refreshing, making it a great complement to grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also works as an excellent side dish to hearty mains like grilled chicken, beef, or tofu, providing a refreshing contrast to richer foods.
If you’re preparing this dish for a gathering, it’s best to make it ahead of time. Since the cucumbers release water when smashed, letting the salad sit for 15-20 minutes (or longer) allows the flavors to meld together even more, making it taste even better the next day. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is not only a delicious and refreshing dish but also a simple, healthy option that’s full of flavor. The combination of fresh cucumbers, savory sesame oil, tangy vinegar, and a touch of spice makes this salad stand out from other cucumber recipes. It’s quick to prepare, easily customizable, and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or as part of a larger meal, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its crisp texture, bold flavors, and versatility, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Try it out today and enjoy a refreshing, flavorful treat that everyone will love!