Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Introduction

Smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish perfect for warm days or as a crunchy side. Its combination of tangy, savory, and nutty flavors creates a vibrant taste that pairs well with many meals.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and peel the cucumbers.
2. Step 2: Smash the cucumbers using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin until they break apart but still hold some texture.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle salt evenly over the smashed cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes to soften and release water.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely.
5. Step 5: Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with a clean towel.
6. Step 6: Combine the cucumbers with the vinegar mixture, soy sauce, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
7. Step 7: Toss everything gently to mix well and serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Tips & Variations

• Use seedless cucumbers for a less watery salad.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Toast sesame seeds lightly to enhance their nutty flavor.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It is best enjoyed fresh, as cucumbers tend to become soggy when stored. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature and toss again before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

While rice vinegar has a mild and slightly sweet flavor that complements this salad, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these vinegars may be stronger.

How do I make the cucumbers less watery?

Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit helps draw out excess water. Be sure to rinse and pat them dry well before mixing with the dressing to keep the salad crisp.

Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and easy-to-make Smashed Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, savory dressing with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and green onions. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cucumbers

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon salt

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Garnish

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and peel the cucumbers thoroughly to remove the skin.
2. Smash the cucumbers: Use the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin to gently smash the cucumbers; this breaks them into rough chunks while preserving their crunch.
3. Salt the cucumbers: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the smashed cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar has fully dissolved to create a balanced tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
5. Rinse and dry cucumbers: Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid watery salad.
6. Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, prepared dressing, soy sauce, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
7. Toss and serve: Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat the cucumbers. Serve the salad immediately for best freshness and texture.

Notes

• This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day.
• Adjust salt and soy sauce amounts to taste depending on dietary preferences.
• For extra crunch, add toasted peanuts or thinly sliced radish.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce if preparing for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Chilling the salad before serving enhances its refreshing qualities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, cucumber salad recipe, easy cucumber side dish, Asian cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad