Smashed Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
A refreshing and spicy Asian cucumber salad featuring smashed cucumbers tossed in a flavorful blend of rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, fresh cilantro, garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. This quick and easy side dish offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- ⅛ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Smash the cucumber: Place the cucumber on a cutting board and gently smash it using the back of a large chef’s knife or a rolling pin. The goal is to crack the cucumber open and slightly tear the skin without flattening it entirely, which helps release more flavor and texture.
- Cut the cucumber: Chop the smashed cucumber into 1-inch pieces and transfer them into a mixing bowl, ready to absorb the dressing.
- Salt the cucumber: Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber pieces and let them sit for 10 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture and enhances the cucumber’s natural flavor.
- Drain and dry: After 10 minutes, drain any liquid from the bowl and pat the cucumber pieces dry with paper towels if they are too wet. This prevents a watery salad.
- Mix the dressing: Add the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes to the cucumber. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Serve or chill: You can serve the salad immediately for a crisp and fresh taste or chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- For extra crunch, chill the cucumber before smashing.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Use fresh ginger instead of ginger powder for more vibrant flavor if preferred.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to one day.
Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, smashed cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, no-cook cucumber salad, refreshing side dish, sesame cucumber salad
