Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

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

Serving: 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.