Smashed Cucumbers
Transform your salad game with this vibrant and refreshing smashed cucumbers recipe—a perfect balance of crisp texture and bold flavors! Featuring tender English cucumbers that are lightly smashed to better absorb a savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and aromatic sesame oil dressing, this dish is a delightfully simple side that comes together in just 15 minutes. The garlic, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes add layers of sweet, spicy, and umami goodness, while optional garnishes like sesame seeds and fresh cilantro bring pops of color and extra flair. Whether served immediately for a crunchy bite or marinated for an intensified flavor burst, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for light lunches, BBQs, or as part of an Asian-inspired feast. Perfect for cucumber lovers and health-conscious foodies alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces English cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Wash and pat dry the cucumbers. Trim the ends off each cucumber.
Using the flat side of a large knife (such as a chef’s knife) or a rolling pin, gently smash the cucumbers until they split open. Tear the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and remove any large, excess seeds.
Place the cucumber pieces into a large bowl and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss to coat and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes.
After 10 minutes, drain any excess water released by the cucumbers. Lightly pat them dry with a paper towel to remove additional moisture.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the cucumbers to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve immediately for a crisp texture, or let the dish marinate in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for a more infused flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
72 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.1 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 777 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.4 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 278 mg | 6% | |
*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.
