We discovered a great Sichuan restaurant a couple years ago, and their smashed cucumber salad was amazing. Since then, we have tried to recreate this flavorful dish ourselves. This is spicy and tasty, but also refreshing.
We were able to find some great red pepper powder (affiliate link) on Amazon.
Ingredients
* Note – all amounts are approximate! We kind of eyeball how much we add each time.
Cucumbers (Persian, English, or Japanese) – approx 1-1.5 lbs
Korean Red Pepper flakes – 2 tbsp (we use this Taekyung Red Pepper Powder)
Sesame oil – 2 tsp
Rice Wine Vinegar – 2 tbsp
Fresh garlic – 3 cloves
Salt
Directions
Start by smashing, then cutting the cucumbers.
We usually get small Persian cucumbers, which come in 1-2lb bags at the grocery store.
Trim the ends and cut lengthwise. Place the side of the knife against the cucumbers and smack the knife until the cucumbers split.
Then, slice the cucumber pieces diagonally.
Place the cucumbers in a colander and toss with salt. Allow to sit and drain for about 20 minutes.
Crush several garlic cloves in a garlic press.
Toss with red pepper flakes, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and fresh garlic.
Allow to sit about 15 more minutes to allow the fresh garlic to mellow and the flavors to blend.
Serve fresh!
Tara Pittman
June 13, 2022This salad looks so delicious. I have to make this for dinner.
Tasheena
June 13, 2022I wish I had everything on hand to make this recipe right now. This looks really yummy.
Amber Myers
June 14, 2022Ooo I am excited to give this salad a try. I just love cucumbers!
Beautiful Touches
June 14, 2022I wonder if that would make the texture interesting, making it would for sure be a decent way to relieve stress, LOL! Would definitely give this a try!
Anna
June 14, 2022I was never a fun of Cucumber but by how you have prepared them, I think I should give it a shot again
Richelle Milar
June 14, 2022Wow! This looks like a really delicious and perfect salad to try! So yummy I love it!
Melanie Edjourian
June 14, 2022I am a big salad fan. It’s great the variety. This sounds great. I do love that this salad has a kick to it.
Monica Simpson
June 14, 2022What a simple refreshing snack! I’ll have to try it but I’ll skip the red pepper. I don’t handle heat well. I think my chile lime seasoning would work well though too.
Kelli A
June 14, 2022This looks so yummy. I have a few cucumber plants going and will have to save this recipe to try in a couple more weeks with fresh cucumbers!
Beth
June 14, 2022This looks like the perfect summer salad for my daughter and me. We love cucumbers!
Hannah Bures
June 14, 2022This looks very tasty and refreshing. My husband loves veggies so this is perfect for our dinner tonight!
Ivan Carlo Jose
June 14, 2022Thanks for the recipe. That looks delicious and refreshing! We love cucumber salad at home so I can always make this.
laura
June 14, 2022This salad looks so yummy I must make this for dinner this weekend. Thanks for sharing it.
Catalina
June 15, 2022This salad sounds perfect for any occasion as a side dish. It’s also perfect for those who want to loose weight!
Lynndee
June 15, 2022Cucumber is one of my faves and I have a fave cucumber salad that I prepare regularly. Your salad looks delish!
Everything Enchanting
June 15, 2022Gosh, I love my simple cucumber salad! But This smashed version looks even more delicious 😍 Gotta try it soon.
Beth
June 22, 2022This looks so refreshing and delicious. I absolutely love all the flavors here.
Jan
June 22, 2022When I was in Hong Kong I had the best version of this. So refreshing in the heat. Thanks for this recipe, now I can make it at home
Stephanie
June 23, 2022I’ve never made anything with crushed cucumber like this. What a unique way to enjoy something light and refreshing.
Mary Obrien
June 23, 2022I have actually been hit by a smashed cucumber before at a Gallagher show. You’re too young to know, so Google it. 😀 Eating this delicious salad is much better. Thanks for sharing.
Samantha Donnelly
June 23, 2022I am the only one in our house that does not like cucumber, I am always trying to find new ideas for salads and will give this a try
Talya Stone
June 23, 2022I always have loads of cucumbers in the fridge so definitely going to try making this. Wondering whether you could add in some tofu in there too to make it a complete summer lunch what do you think?
Mosaic Borders
June 23, 2022I’ve never heard of this salad, looks delicious…I can’t wait to make it, can’t wait…
Natalie
June 23, 2022Wow, that looks so delicious! We love cucumbers in this household so I will have to make this.
Tammy
June 23, 2022A totally refreshing summer salad esp once the cucumbers come up in the garden. I love using gochugaru in my salads it adds a really nice spicy/smoky flavor to everything.
Sara Fudge
June 23, 2022This smashed cucumber salad is so light and refreshing! I love the unique combination of flavors, especially the red pepper powder. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Risa Lopez
June 23, 2022Wow, this looks so good, I would love to try it. I’ll look for the ingredients when I go out.
Lavanda Michelle
June 23, 2022That looks so delicious, I dont think I’ve ever had this. I loved to make it and try this. Thanks for sharing!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats
June 24, 2022I love cucumbers…They might just be my favorite vegetable. Love different ways to prepare them!
Rosey
June 24, 2022This is something different to try. I do really enjoy cucumbers.
Yeah Lifestyle
June 26, 2022This is such a unique recipe! I have never crushed cucumbers in my life but this recipe looks so intriguing especially with the addition of the chilli flakes, I can’t wait to try making it
Stacie
June 27, 2022I love anything with cucumbers. This looks soooooo good!
Jupiter Hadley
June 28, 2022This salad sounds so easy and so refreshing! Thank you for sharing.
Lily Lily
June 30, 2022Wow my kinda of salad. I love cucumbers and I would add kimchi
Tami Vollenweider
April 23, 2023Sounds like a nice side salad especially with the red pepper flakes!!