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Fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Chili Crisp and Sesame

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A quick and easy summer side dish featuring smashed cucumbers tossed with spicy chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, and a tangy dressing. This refreshing salad balances cool and heat with a satisfying crunchy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp (recommend Lao Gan Ma brand)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Trim the ends off 2 medium English cucumbers.
  2. Place one cucumber on a cutting board and gently smash it using a rolling pin or the side of a heavy pan until it cracks and splits apart but doesn’t turn into mush (about 1-2 minutes per cucumber).
  3. Break the smashed cucumber pieces into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch chunks by hand and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
  4. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove (optional), and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
  6. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
  7. Add the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion. Toss once more to distribute evenly.
  8. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and cucumbers to soften slightly while retaining crunch.

Notes

If cucumbers are watery, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid before tossing with dressing to avoid sogginess. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Let salad rest before serving for best flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature, not icy cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, chili crisp, sesame seeds, summer salad, easy side dish, gluten-free, vegan, quick salad

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/fresh-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-chili-crisp-and-sesame-easy-and-best-summer-side-dish/