Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad: Easy 10-Minute Recipe

Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal, offering a refreshing and crunchy texture combined with a savory, garlicky, and spicy dressing. With minimal ingredients and ready in just 10 minutes, this salad brings bold flavors and is a great way to enjoy cucumbers in a fun and vibrant way. Whether you’re prepping for a quick lunch or looking to add something new to your dinner table, this spicy cucumber salad is sure to impress!

Why Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is a Must-Try

The Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish. With a balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, it’s the ideal vegetable dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Whether served with steamed rice or your favorite protein, this salad adds the perfect crunch and zest to your meal. Plus, it’s an excellent option for meal prep, as it can be easily made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Ingredients

• Mini Cucumbers: Provide the crisp and crunchy texture that’s the foundation of this salad. Alternatively, Persian cucumbers also work well.
• Salt: Draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers to enhance their crunch.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth to the dressing. For a lighter flavor, you can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: This toasted oil gives the salad a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Chinese Black Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang. If unavailable, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives.
• Sesame Seeds: A garnish that adds a pleasant crunch and nuttiness.
• Sugar: Balances out the salty and spicy components of the dressing. Maple syrup or honey can be used as a substitute.
• Garlic: Infuses the salad with a fragrant, savory base.
• Chinese Chili Oil: The key ingredient for that spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount or opt for a milder chili oil.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Cucumbers: If mini cucumbers aren’t available, you can use English cucumbers or any seedless cucumber. These will still deliver the desired crunch without overpowering the flavor.
• Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, you can swap the soy sauce with tamari sauce or coconut aminos.
• Chili Oil: If you’re not keen on the spice, you can skip the chili oil altogether or use chili flakes combined with a neutral oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the ends off the mini cucumbers and then smash them lightly with the side of your knife until they are slightly flattened and broken down in the center.
2. Cut the cucumbers on an angle into 2-cm thick diagonal slices for an attractive presentation.
3. Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and add salt. Massage the salt into the cucumbers and let them sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water.
4. Discard the liquid that has been drawn out and rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove the salt.
5. Strain the cucumbers to remove any excess water, ensuring they remain crisp and dry.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese black vinegar, sesame seeds, sugar, garlic, and Chinese chili oil to create the dressing.
7. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss well to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled, refreshing salad.

Tips & Tricks

• Smashing the cucumbers helps break down the fibers, allowing them to better absorb the dressing. Be careful not to smash too hard, as this can make the cucumbers mushy.
• Be sure to rinse the cucumbers well after salting them to avoid an overly salty salad.
• Strain out any excess liquid after rinsing the cucumbers to keep the dressing concentrated.
• For an extra flavor boost, you can add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of vinegar to taste.
• The salad is best enjoyed immediately, but if storing leftovers, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, the cucumbers may release more liquid over time, so it’s best consumed fresh.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of Asian dishes such as Ginger Chicken, Mongolian Beef, or Soy Garlic Tofu. It’s also a great accompaniment to steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile side dish for any meal. For a more hearty meal, serve it alongside crispy egg rolls or hot and sour soup.

For variations, you can try adding thinly sliced radishes or a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor and color. If you like it extra spicy, add more chili oil or red chili flakes to the dressing.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

This spicy cucumber salad is a fantastic dish to enjoy during the warmer months when cucumbers are in season. It’s light and refreshing, making it the perfect addition to a summer barbecue or a picnic. In addition to being a delicious side dish, cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making this salad hydrating and light on the stomach. The garlic and chili oil provide antioxidants and can help boost your metabolism, adding health benefits to an already flavorful dish.

Enjoy this Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad as a refreshing side or snack, and get ready to fall in love with its bold, tangy flavors!

Conclusion

Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is an incredibly easy yet flavorful dish that brings a burst of fresh and spicy flavors to your table in just 10 minutes. With its crunchy texture and tangy, garlicky dressing, it pairs perfectly with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, making it a versatile side for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or adding it as a quick side dish to your favorite protein, this salad will become a go-to in your kitchen. Its simple ingredients and ease of preparation make it a crowd-pleaser, and with the option to customize the spice level, everyone can enjoy it to their taste. Make sure to try this refreshing and healthy recipe for your next meal!

FAQ

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