Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad (Taiwanese) | CookOS

Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad

Name: Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad (Taiwanese)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber; 1 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp chili oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced; 2 spring onions, chopped; 1 handful fresh coriander, chopped

This Taiwanese smashed cucumber salad combines crisp cucumbers with a bold spicy-tangy dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil, creating an addictive side dish that absorbs flavor best when the cucumbers are fractured by hand.

🌍Taiwanese 🏷️Smashed cucumber salad 🏷️Cucumber salad 🏷️Spicy 🏷️Asian Side dish

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Total

10 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

1 large cucumber
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp chili oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced
2 spring onions, chopped
1 handful fresh coriander, choppedoptional

10 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a small bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds to make the dressing. Stir well to combine.
2
Place the cucumber on a cutting board and use the flat side of a large knife to firmly press down and smash the cucumber along its length.
3
Roughly chop the smashed cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
4
Transfer the chopped cucumber to a larger mixing bowl.
5
Add the sliced fresh chili and chopped spring onions to the bowl with the cucumber.
6
Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture.
7
Toss everything together until the cucumber is evenly coated in the dressing.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Smash the cucumber with the flat side of a knife or a meat mallet to crack it lengthwise; this creates uneven pieces that trap dressing better than neat slices.
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes until fragrant before sprinkling; this amplifies their nutty flavor.
Mince garlic finely and let it sit in the dressing for 5 minutes before tossing with cucumbers to soften its raw bite.
Serve immediately after assembly if you prefer crispness; waiting 10–15 minutes allows flavors to meld but softens the texture slightly.

Substitutions

chili oil → sambal oelek or sriracha (use 1–1.5 tbsp; adjust to taste)
sesame oil → peanut oil (flavor will be less nutty but dressing remains balanced)
fresh red chili → dried chili flakes (use ½ tsp and adjust to heat preference)
spring onions → fresh scallions or Chinese chives (similar brightness and mild onion flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; the cucumbers will soften and release water, so drain before serving.

Common Questions

Why do you smash the cucumbers?

Smashing breaks down the cucumber's surface, allowing it to absorb the dressing more effectively and creating a better texture throughout the salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but prepare it no more than 2 hours ahead. Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their flavor and prevent wilting.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat comes from fresh chili and chili oil; adjust both to your preference. Start with half the chili and reduce chili oil if you prefer milder flavors.