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Crispy Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad with Spicy Chili Crisp

crispy Asian smashed cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Asian smashed cucumber salad featuring a spicy chili crisp dressing that delivers a refreshing crunch and bold flavor, perfect for warm weather or a light side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 Kirby cucumbers
  • 3 tablespoons spicy chili crisp (e.g., Lee Kum Kee or Fly By Jing)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and prepare cucumbers: rinse under cold water, pat dry, and trim ends. For English cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise if smaller pieces are desired. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Smash the cucumbers: place cucumbers on a cutting board and gently but firmly smash each piece with a heavy pan or meat mallet until cracked and split into uneven chunks. (3-4 minutes)
  3. Cut into bite-sized pieces: chop smashed cucumbers into roughly 1 to 2-inch pieces and transfer to a large bowl. (2 minutes)
  4. Mix the dressing: whisk together spicy chili crisp, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. (2 minutes)
  5. Toss cucumbers with dressing: pour dressing over cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces. (2 minutes)
  6. Add fresh garnishes: sprinkle sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro over the salad and toss lightly to combine. (1-2 minutes)
  7. Let it rest (optional): allow salad to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to let flavors meld without losing crispness.

Notes

Use Kirby cucumbers for better texture if cucumbers get soggy quickly. Adjust chili crisp quantity to control spice level. Letting the salad rest enhances flavor but avoid over-resting to prevent sogginess. Fresh garlic is essential for best flavor. Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, spicy chili crisp, Asian salad, quick salad, cucumber recipe, gluten-free, vegan, summer salad

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-asian-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-spicy-chili-crisp-guide/