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Fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Chili Crisp and Sesame Oil

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A quick, refreshing smashed cucumber salad with a spicy, nutty dressing featuring chili crisp and toasted sesame oil. Perfect for hot days and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or scallions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim the cucumbers: Rinse 2 medium English cucumbers under cold water. Cut off the ends and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
  2. Smash the cucumbers: Place one cucumber on a cutting board. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently but firmly smash the cucumber until it cracks and splits into chunky pieces about 1 to 2 inches in size. Repeat with the second cucumber.
  3. Salt the cucumbers: Transfer the smashed cucumbers into a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over them. Toss gently and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  4. Drain excess liquid: After 10 minutes, gently drain off the liquid but keep the cucumbers in the bowl.
  5. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce until combined.
  6. Combine salad and dressing: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers. Toss carefully to coat every piece with the flavorful sauce.
  7. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or scallions over the salad. Give it one last gentle toss.
  8. Rest before serving: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. It can also be served chilled.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust chili crisp amount to control heat. Toast sesame seeds and use fresh sesame oil for best flavor. Keep cucumbers chilled before prepping to maintain crunch. Reserve cucumber liquid for quick pickles or discard.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, chili crisp, sesame oil, easy cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, Sichuan salad, quick side dish, healthy salad

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/fresh-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-chili-crisp-and-sesame-oil/