Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
This refreshing Smashed Cucumber Salad is a quick and vibrant side dish featuring crisp cucumbers dressed in a tangy, aromatic blend of rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce. Enhanced with fresh ginger, cilantro, and green onions, it's a perfect light accompaniment to any meal, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (resting time)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cucumber Salad
- 500g / 1 lb cucumbers
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Dressing
- 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1.5 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Smash the cucumbers: Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, rolling pin, pestle, or even a heavy can, bash the cucumbers until they split open on the sides. This helps to soften the cucumbers and allows them to better absorb the dressing flavors.
- Cut and salt cucumbers: Cut the smashed cucumbers into 2.5cm (1-inch) chunks and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt, toss to coat evenly, then leave them to rest for 20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and enhances crunchiness.
- Drain excess liquid: After resting, drain any excess liquid that has accumulated in the bowl to prevent a watery salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate container or bowl, shake or whisk together rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the drained cucumbers. Sprinkle chopped coriander/cilantro and sliced green onions on top. Toss everything gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use Japanese or English cucumbers for a less seedy, crisper texture.
- Smashing the cucumbers instead of slicing makes the salad more flavorful and crunchy.
- Adjust the soy sauce and sugar in the dressing to taste for saltiness and sweetness balance.
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili.
Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe/
