Crispy Smashed Cucumber Salad
Smashed cucumbers that absorb a bold tangy sesame dressing in all their jagged crevices for maximum flavor in every bite. A refreshing and addictive salad that comes together in just minutes.
Smashed cucumbers tossed in a punchy sesame garlic dressing for a quick and intensely flavorful salad.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
main
dressing
garnish
Instructions
Smash the Cucumbers
Place each cucumber on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin, firmly smash the cucumber until it cracks and splits open. Cut the smashed cucumbers into rough bite-sized pieces about 4 centimeters long.
Salt and Drain
Place the smashed cucumber pieces in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Toss to coat and allow to sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and ensures the dressing clings to the cucumbers rather than getting diluted.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and grated garlic until fully combined. Taste and adjust the balance of salty, sour, and spicy to your preference.
Pat Dry and Dress
Pat the drained cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove as much surface moisture as possible. Transfer to a serving bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss thoroughly so every jagged piece is coated in the dressing.
Garnish and Serve
Scatter the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the dressed cucumbers. Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Do not dress too far in advance as the cucumbers will lose their crunch.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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