Shanghai Cucumber Salad
Crisp, refreshing, and packed with bold, savory flavors, Shanghai Cucumber Salad is a vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with lightly smashed English cucumbers, this quick 15-minute recipe highlights the crunchy texture and natural juiciness of the cucumbers, enhanced with a tangy, umami-rich dressing featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. A hint of red chili flakes adds gentle heat, while toasted sesame seeds and optional fresh cilantro bring depth and fragrance to each bite. Ideal as a chilled appetizer or a complement to your favorite Asian-inspired meal, this easy-to-make salad is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light, healthy snack, it’s a must-try for fans of vibrant, Asian-style dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces English cucumber
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons Rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a large knife, lightly smash the cucumbers to break them open and create rough edges.
Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the cucumbers with 1 teaspoon of salt, toss, and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
While the cucumbers are resting, finely mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red chili flakes. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
After 10 minutes, drain the water released from the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Return the cucumbers to the bowl.
Add the minced garlic and the dressing to the cucumbers. Toss well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro, if using.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes for a more refreshing taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
53 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.0 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 775 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.6 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 14 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 88 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
