Smashed Cucumber Salad is a beloved and refreshing Chinese dish, perfect for hot summer days. Cucumbers are considered a cooling ingredient in traditional Chinese food therapy, helping to lower body heat naturally. This salad is crisp, tangy, and packed with flavor — plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Let’s get started!

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Serves: 2 to 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

For the cucumber salad:
6 mini cucumbers
1/10 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
For the sauce:
1 small shallot, diced
4 tablespoons avocado oil (or any high smoke-point oil)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red finger hot pepper, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar (or other Chinese black vinegar)

Instructions

1. Smash the cucumbers:

Wash cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends.
Smash each cucumber using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Place the cucumbers on a plate. Sprinkle with salt and sugar, then let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Discard the released liquid.

2. Prepare the sauce:

In a heatproof bowl, combine the sesame seeds, minced garlic, and chopped red chili.
In a small saucepan over low heat, add avocado oil and diced shallot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove the shallots and increase the heat until the oil is smoking hot.
Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic-chili mixture to release its aroma.
Add soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Stir to combine.

3. Assemble the salad:

Pour the sauce over the drained cucumbers.
Add chopped cilantro and mix well. Serve immediately or chill for extra refreshment.

Tips & notes

Smashing the cucumbers helps them absorb more flavor and gives the salad its signature texture.
Letting the cucumbers rest with salt draws out moisture and keeps them crunchy.
Use gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
If you prefer a milder salad, remove the seeds from the chili or use less.

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe