This spicy Asian smashed cucumber salad perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine. Whip up this easy appetizer or side that satisfies your spicy cravings and is refreshing at the same time.
Inspired by the flavors of Far Eastern cuisine, this spicy Asian smashed cucumber salad is the perfect versatile and healthy dish. It combines the crunchiness of cucumbers with a flavorful medley of garlic, ginger, and fiery chili. Each bite is a mouthwatering fusion of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
Whether you want a zesty appetizer or an exciting side dish, this spicy cucumber salad is as versatile as it gets. Serve it with grilled and roasted meats, fish, seafood, and plant-based options. Or make it a nourishing and light snack on hot summer days.
If you like a light and nourishing dish, try this smoked salmon cucumber salad and roasted red pepper salad. They are ready in minutes and don’t require you to turn on the stove. Winner!
If you like a fresh and vibrant salad, try this roasted red pepper salad and smoked salmon cucumber salad for an easy lunch or dinner. And if you're on the sweeter side, this stone fruit salad is for you.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Light and refreshing: – With fresh cucumbers and invigorating ingredients, this salad is a perfect choice for hot days.
- Customizable heat level – Whether you enjoy a milder taste or an intense spiciness, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the amount of chili to match your desired heat level.
- Quick and easy – This recipe is a breeze to prepare. Additionally, the smashing technique used for the cucumbers adds a fun and unique element to making the salad.
- Healthy and nutrient-rich – Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water, making this salad a nourishing choice. Additionally, the ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds provide nutritional benefits.
- Versatile dish – Pair this salad with main dishes, such as grilled meats, stir-fries, or rice dishes, to elevate your meal. It is also delicious when served as an appetizer or prepared in advance to take to a picnic or potluck.
Ingredient notes
- Cucumbers – You can use English cucumbers or regular cucumbers for this recipe. English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them a good choice for salads. If using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them and scoop out the seeds if they are larger and more bitter.
- Chili pepper – The type of chili pepper you use will determine the level of spiciness. You can use red Thai chilies, as I did in this recipe, bird's eye chilies, or even milder peppers. Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling chili peppers to avoid irritation.
- Toasted sesame seeds – You can toast the seeds by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stirring until they become golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Soy sauce – Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you watch your salt intake.
- Rice vinegar – You can substitute the rice vinegar with apple cider or white wine vinegar. Although the flavor might be a bit different.
- Sesame oil – Look for toasted sesame oil for a stronger flavor.
- Honey – The sweetness balances the heat and acidity in the dressing. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Ginger and garlic – Fresh ginger and garlic provide depth and aroma to the salad. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Tips & substitutions
- Cucumber varieties – While English or regular cucumbers work well in this recipe, you can also use other varieties, like Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and often have a sweeter taste.
- Chili pepper alternatives – Not a fan of heat? Omit the chili pepper altogether or substitute it with a milder pepper.
- Sweetener options – You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar. For a sugar-free option, use a sugar substitute.
- Vinegar substitutes – If you don't have rice vinegar, use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even citrus juice like lime juice for a slightly different tang.
- Smashing technique – Apply gentle pressure to soften the cucumbers without mashing them into a pulp.
- Balance flavors – Taste as you go when making the dressing. Adjust the amounts of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and other seasonings to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
- Let the flavors develop – Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes after tossing it with the dressing. It helps the flavors meld, and the cucumbers absorb the seasoning.
How to make spicy cucumber salad
Step 1: Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. You can leave the skin on or peel it if you prefer.
Step 2: Place a cucumber on a cutting board and gently press down on it with the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin. It helps to partially smash the cucumber and break it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Repeat the smashing process with all the cucumbers, then cut them into bite-sized chunks.
Step 4: Peel and mince the garlic and ginger and finely chop the chili.
Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and honey. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 6: Combine the smashed cucumbers, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chili pepper. Then give the dressing a quick stir, then pour it over the cucumber mixture.
Expert tip
While smashing the cucumbers, apply gentle pressure to retain their natural crunch and break them into smaller, more manageable pieces. This ensures that the cucumber pieces are receptive to the dressing without becoming overly mushy.
What to serve with Asian cucumber salad
Serve the spicy Asian smashed cucumber salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. Here are some options to try:
- Grilled or poached chicken – Serve the cucumber salad alongside grilled chicken marinated in Asian-inspired flavors. Or, pair it with this coconut curry poached chicken. The coolness of the salad complements the flavorful chicken.
- Stir-fried tofu or tempeh – For a vegetarian option, pair the salad with stir-fried tofu or tempeh. The crispness of the cucumber contrasts beautifully with the plant-based protein.
- Asian noodles – Prepare a dish of chilled Asian noodles, such as sesame noodles or soba noodles. The salad adds textural contrast and bright flavors to the noodles.
- Roasted fish – This smashed cucumber salad also is a vibrant side dish to roasted or baked fish. Its zesty flavors enhance the delicate taste of the fish.
- Curries – Create a medley of textures by pairing the Asian cucumber salad with this vegan Thai yellow curry or healthy chicken curry. The salad balanced the rich curry while adding a fresh component.
- Rice and grain bowls – Create customizable rice bowls like this salmon Teriyaki bowl with the spicy cucumber salad. It is the perfect nourishing side salad for a vitamin-rich dish.
Recipe FAQs
You can leave the skin on if you use English cucumbers, as their skin is tender. If you use regular cucumbers, you might consider peeling them, especially if the skin is thick or waxed.
Apply gentle pressure when smashing the cucumbers. The goal is to break them into bite-sized pieces while retaining some crunch.
While the salad is best enjoyed shortly after preparation, you can prepare the components in advance. Mix and toss the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and crunch.
This recipe is quite versatile. Add ingredients like bell peppers, shredded carrots, fresh herbs (cilantro, mint), or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
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???? Recipe
Spicy Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 1 chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. You can leave the skin on or peel it if you prefer.
- Place a cucumber on a cutting board and gently press down on it with the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin. This helps to partially smash the cucumber and break it into bite-sized pieces. Repeat the smashing process with all the cucumbers, then cut them into bite-sized chunks.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and honey. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Combine the smashed cucumbers, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chili pepper. Give the dressing a quick stir, then pour it over the cucumber mixture.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad.
Notes
- Cucumber varieties – While English or regular cucumbers work well in this recipe, you can also use other varieties, like Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and often have a sweeter taste.
- Chili pepper alternatives – Not a fan of heat? Omit the chili pepper altogether or substitute it with a milder pepper.
- Sweetener options – You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar. For a sugar-free option, use a sugar substitute.
- Vinegar substitutes – If you don't have rice vinegar, use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even citrus juice like lime juice for a slightly different tang.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only calculated with the recipe calorie and nutrition calculator provided by verywellfit.com. The author of this website is not a nutritionist nor a doctor. All nutritional data provided in the recipes and correspondent blog posts are for informational purposes only. Do not use the information as nutritional or medical advice.
Dorli says
Super nice, easy and fresh salad. Tastes great with all kids of food as side dish or just as quick snack on hot days. Thanks for your lovely inspiration!
Yvonne says
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. So happy you love this cucumber salad recipe!