Fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Sesame Chili Oil Easy and Spicy
A quick and easy fresh smashed cucumber salad with a spicy, nutty sesame chili oil dressing that delivers a satisfying crunch and bold flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 Persian cucumbers), washed and ends trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the ends off the cucumbers. Cut each cucumber into 2-3 sections, about 3 to 4 inches long.
- Place one cucumber section on the cutting board. Using a rolling pin, the flat side of a chef’s knife, or a meat mallet, press down firmly until the cucumber cracks and breaks apart slightly. Repeat with all pieces.
- Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers into bite-size pieces, about 1 to 2 inches.
- Place the chopped cucumbers in a colander or sieve, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and toss gently. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
- While cucumbers are draining, heat 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, add the drained cucumbers, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional sugar or honey. Pour the warm sesame chili oil mixture over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour.
Notes
Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid mushiness; aim for cracked but firm texture. Heat sesame oil gently with garlic and chili flakes to avoid burning. Salt cucumbers and let them drain to prevent watery salad. Toss cucumbers with dressing just before serving for best crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, sesame chili oil, spicy cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad