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Crispy Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy with Chili Crisp and Sesame Oil

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A quick and easy crispy smashed cucumber salad featuring chili crisp and toasted sesame oil for a spicy, nutty, and refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: a handful of fresh cilantro or mint, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Trim off the ends.
  2. Place one cucumber on a cutting board and, using the flat side of a knife or rolling pin, press down firmly along its length until it cracks and splits slightly (about 10-15 seconds per cucumber).
  3. Cut the smashed cucumber into roughly 1 to 1½ inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
  4. Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of salt over the cucumber pieces. Toss gently and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  5. While the cucumbers rest, whisk together the chili crisp, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. After 10 minutes, gently press the cucumbers with your hands or a slotted spoon to remove the liquid they released.
  7. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers. Add green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional herbs. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  8. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to marry before serving.

Notes

Do not over-smash the cucumbers; the goal is to crack the skin and create jagged edges without turning them to mush. Salting and draining the cucumbers is critical to avoid a watery salad. Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Let the salad rest briefly after tossing to meld flavors. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. If chili crisp is unavailable, use chili oil with toasted shallots or garlic and red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, chili crisp salad, sesame oil salad, quick cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, vegan cucumber salad, gluten-free cucumber salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/crispy-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-with-chili-crisp-and-sesame-oil/