Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe - How to Make the World's Most Addictive Cucumber Salad

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while tamari is gluten-free.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil offers a healthier fat profile, while vegetable oil is more economical.

rice vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey is a natural sweetener, while agave is often less expensive.

Cover cucumbers with plastic wrap to minimize splattering.

Smash cucumbers flat using a meat pounder or any flat heavy object.

Cut smashed cucumbers into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

Transfer cucumbers to a strainer set over a bowl.

Sprinkle sugar and salt over cucumbers and mix well.

Refrigerate cucumbers for 30 to 60 minutes to draw out liquid.

In a mixing bowl, combine crushed garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes.

Whisk the dressing ingredients together until combined.

After refrigerating, transfer drained cucumbers to the dressing and mix.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Optionally, refrigerate for another 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Transfer to a serving container and optionally spoon over extra dressing.

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens