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Crispy Asian Sesame Smashed Cucumber Salad Easy Recipe with Chili Oil

crispy asian sesame smashed cucumber salad - featured image
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A refreshing and crunchy smashed cucumber salad with a spicy homemade chili oil dressing, toasted sesame seeds, and a perfect balance of heat, tang, and savory sesame flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is perfect as a snack, side dish, or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium English cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili oil (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: pinch of sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Rinse the English cucumbers thoroughly. Trim off the ends and pat dry. Place on a sturdy cutting board.
  2. Using a rolling pin or the back of a large knife, gently but firmly smash each cucumber lengthwise until it cracks open and splits into chunks roughly 2 inches in size (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. Transfer smashed cucumbers to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt over them and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then drain excess liquid.
  4. If making homemade chili oil: heat 3 tablespoons neutral oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes and a pinch of sugar. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant, remove from heat, and stir in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Let cool slightly.
  5. Toast 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium-low heat until golden and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add the chili oil and stir well.
  7. Add drained smashed cucumbers back to the large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over and toss thoroughly to coat.
  8. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
  9. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld while keeping cucumbers crisp.

Notes

Be careful not to over-salt early on; you can adjust soy sauce later to taste. Drain cucumbers well to avoid sogginess. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Chill salad for best flavor but keep under 30 minutes to maintain crispness. Homemade chili oil allows control over heat level. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Optional fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can be added for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, chili oil salad, sesame cucumber salad, quick cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-asian-sesame-smashed-cucumber-salad-easy-recipe-with-chili-oil/