Refreshing Smashed Cucumber Salad
A crunchy and cooling salad that hits the perfect balance of salty, sour, and spicy flavors.
recipesbynani.comThere is something so satisfying about smashing cucumbers before tossing them in a zesty dressing. Breaking the skin lets all those delicious seasonings soak right into the flesh, making every single bite extra flavorful.
This is one of my favorite side dishes for a busy weeknight because it comes together in just a few minutes. I like to let it sit in the fridge for a bit before serving so the cucumbers stay nice and crisp while soaking up the garlic and vinegar.
🧺 Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili oil or chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and use the flat side of a heavy knife or a rolling pin to gently smash them until they crack.
- 2
Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
- 3
Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and toss well, then let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- 4
Drain any liquid from the bowl.
- 5
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar.
- 6
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss everything together until well coated.
- 7
Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for even better flavor.
💡 Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. If you prefer a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts over the top right before serving.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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