Go Back
–+ servings
Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad

Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad That Brightens Your Day

A refreshing Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad that combines crispy cucumbers with a tangy, garlicky dressing, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Salting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Sichuan
Calories: 70
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2-3 cucumbers Persian or Japanese cucumbers Thin-skinned for optimal crunch
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt For drawing out moisture
  • 2 cloves Garlic Finely minced
  • 3 tbsp Chinkiang black vinegar Authentic flavor; avoid substitutes
  • 2 tbsp Light soy sauce Adds umami kick
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Adjust according to preference
  • 1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil For nutty aroma
  • 2 tbsp Sichuan chili oil Packs heat; use sediment for crunch
  • 1 tsp Ground toasted Sichuan peppercorn Optional for extra warmth
  • 1 tbsp Toasted white sesame seeds For garnish

Equipment

  • Chinese cleaver
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Rinse cucumbers under cold water and pat dry. Trim the ends and lay them flat.
  2. Smash each cucumber using a cleaver or rolling pin until the skin cracks.
  3. Chop the cucumbers into 1-inch pieces and transfer to a colander.
  4. Sprinkle kosher salt over cucumbers and toss to coat. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, black vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk until dissolved.
  6. Add sesame oil and chili oil to the dressing. Sprinkle in Sichuan peppercorn if using.
  7. Shaking the colander, remove excess liquid from cucumbers before transferring to a mixing bowl.
  8. Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds.
  9. Serve immediately for best freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 350mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!