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A delicious plate of Smashed Cucumber Salad

Smashed Cucumber Salad

This smashed cucumber salad is one of my all-time favorite cold summer side dishes. By crushing our cucumber before we cut it, we produce flavors that un-smashed cukes can't.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 29

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 English cucumbers
  • 1.5 cucchiaino kosher salt plus more as needed
  • 1 cucchiaino white sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic finely crushed
  • 2 cucchiaio seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 cucchiaino soy sauce
  • 1 cucchiaino sesame oil
  • 1 red pepper flakes to taste
  • 2 cucchiaino toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Meat Pounder

Method
 

  1. Wrap each cucumber in plastic wrap to minimize splattering. Place on a work surface and pound with a flat object until cucumbers crack and are slightly flattened. Remove from plastic.
  2. Cut cucumbers in half; halve each side lengthwise. Slice into 1- to 1 1/2-inch wide slices. Transfer to a strainer set over a bowl.
  3. Sprinkle cucumber with salt and sugar; mix until well combined. Refrigerate the bowl and strainer for 30 to 60 minutes so cucumber pieces can drain into the bowl.
  4. Place garlic, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl; whisk together thoroughly.
  5. Transfer drained cucumbers into the bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
  6. Place cucumbers in a serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 530mgPotassium: 21mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 13mg

Notes

In place of seasoned rice vinegar, you can use plain rice vinegar and add an extra pinch of salt and sugar to the dressing. Serve chilled for the best experience.
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