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Flavorful Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp and Sesame

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A crunchy, spicy, and tangy Asian smashed cucumber salad featuring chili crisp and toasted sesame, perfect for quick and flavorful homemade meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium English cucumbers (about 24 oz / 680 g), washed and ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Rinse cucumbers and trim off the ends. Place one cucumber at a time on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or heavy pan, gently press down and roll over the cucumber until it cracks and breaks apart into chunks roughly 1 to 2 inches in size (about 1-2 minutes per cucumber).
  2. Transfer smashed cucumbers to a large bowl. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt over them and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Drain any liquid that has accumulated using a colander or by carefully pouring it off. The cucumbers should be moist but not swimming.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together chili crisp, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic until well combined (about 2 minutes).
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat. Add sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, folding them in carefully to avoid breaking up the cucumbers.
  6. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to marry before serving.

Notes

Do not press too hard when smashing cucumbers to avoid mushy texture. Use chili crisp instead of plain chili oil for better texture and flavor. Salt cucumbers and let them rest to draw out moisture and keep salad crisp. Fold gently when mixing to keep cucumber chunks intact. Salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled; toss before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, chili crisp, sesame, Asian salad, quick salad, spicy cucumber salad, easy cucumber recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/flavorful-asian-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-chili-crisp-and-sesame-perfect-for-easy-homemade-meals/