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Flavorful Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Chili Crisp and Sesame

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A quick and easy smashed cucumber salad featuring chili crisp and toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy, spicy, and tangy side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers (thin-skinned and seedless)
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp (e.g., Fly By Jing or Lao Gan Ma)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: pinch of sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim cucumbers: Rinse 2 medium English cucumbers under cold water. Cut off both ends and pat dry. (5 minutes)
  2. Smash the cucumbers: Place each cucumber on the cutting board and gently smash it lengthwise with a rolling pin or meat mallet until it splits open but is still in big chunks, about 1 to 2 inches long. (5 minutes)
  3. Chop smashed cucumbers: Roughly chop the smashed cucumber into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl. (2 minutes)
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning if needed. (5 minutes)
  5. Toss and marinate: Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss gently until coated. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors. (10 minutes)
  6. Toast sesame seeds: While salad marinates, toast 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. (3 minutes)
  7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over salad just before serving. Toss gently and enjoy immediately. (2 minutes)

Notes

Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid mushy texture. Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Let salad rest for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best crunch and aroma. Adjust chili crisp amount to control spiciness. Add a splash of water or extra rice vinegar if too salty or spicy. Best enjoyed fresh or chilled. Store in airtight container up to 2 days in fridge; add toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, chili crisp, sesame seeds, quick salad, easy side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, spicy cucumber salad

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/flavorful-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-chili-crisp-and-sesame-easy-step-by-step-guide/