Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad – Quick & Easy (10 Min Recipe)

Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and zesty dish that takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Featuring crisp cucumbers marinated in a flavorful spicy garlic soy-based sauce, this salad strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s an ideal side dish for any meal, adding fiber and a burst of flavor in a matter of minutes. If you’re looking for an easy way to jazz up your vegetable side dishes, this spicy cucumber salad is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad

This Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is not only quick but also versatile. The combination of crunchy cucumbers and the savory-sweet-spicy dressing makes it the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or protein dishes like ginger chicken or soy garlic tofu, this salad will elevate your meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, and the best part is that it only takes 10 minutes to prepare!

Ingredients for Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad

The ingredients for this dish are simple yet packed with flavor. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Mini Cucumbers: These cucumbers have a refreshing crunch and mild flavor, making them perfect for this salad. Persian cucumbers are a great alternative if mini cucumbers aren’t available.

• Salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture from the cucumbers and helping them absorb the dressing better.

Dressing Ingredients:

• Regular Soy Sauce: A classic ingredient for adding umami to the dressing. Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce can be used for a healthier or gluten-free option.

• Sesame Oil: Adds a deep, nutty flavor to the dressing that perfectly complements the cucumbers.

• Chinese Black Vinegar: This mild, fermented vinegar adds complexity to the salad’s flavor. You can substitute with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.

• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add texture and a nutty aroma to the salad.

• White Granulated Sugar: Balances out the savory and spicy flavors. If you prefer a more natural sweetener, you can use honey or maple syrup.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the key to bringing that sharp, aromatic flavor to the salad.

• Chinese Chili Oil: For the signature heat of this salad, Chinese chili oil is perfect. You can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance or use chili flakes as a substitute.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make adjustments, here are a few alternatives:

• Cucumbers: If mini cucumbers aren’t available, English cucumbers work just as well. Just make sure to remove the seeds for the perfect texture.

• Chili Oil: If you don’t have Chinese chili oil, you can make a simple substitute with chili flakes and neutral oil. For a milder version, you can skip the chili oil entirely.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the ends off the mini cucumbers. Using the side of your knife, gently smash the cucumbers a few times until they are slightly flattened and broken open in the center.
2. Slice the Cucumbers: Cut the smashed cucumbers into 2-cm thick diagonal strips. This helps the cucumbers absorb the dressing more effectively.
3. Salt the Cucumbers: Transfer the cucumber slices to a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and massage it into the cucumbers. Allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Rinse the Cucumbers: After the cucumbers have released their water, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove the excess salt. Drain well.
5. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese black vinegar, sesame seeds, sugar, garlic, and chili oil.
6. Mix the Salad: Toss the drained cucumbers with the dressing, making sure they are well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Salad

• Smack the Cucumbers Properly: Smacking the cucumbers is a key step! It helps break down the fibers, allowing the cucumbers to absorb the dressing better. Be sure not to over-smash them, as this can make the cucumbers too mushy.

• Salt the Cucumbers: Don’t skip salting the cucumbers before mixing them with the dressing. This will help achieve a crispier texture and intensify the flavor. Just remember to rinse them well to avoid excessive saltiness.

• Make it Ahead: You can prepare this spicy cucumber salad in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, though the cucumbers may release more liquid, so it’s best enjoyed on the same day.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad

This Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Asian Starters: Serve alongside egg rolls, crab rangoons, or hot and sour soup for a perfect Asian-inspired meal.

• Rice and Noodles: White or brown rice, fried rice, chow mein, or lo mein complement this spicy salad beautifully.

• Protein Dishes: This cucumber salad is a great side to protein-packed dishes like ginger chicken, Mongolian beef, honey walnut shrimp, or soy garlic tofu.

Make-ahead Tips

If you plan to make this salad in advance, keep in mind that it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made. Over time, the cucumbers will release more liquid, which can dilute the dressing and make the salad saltier.

Health Benefits of Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad

This Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water content, making them perfect for hydration. The addition of garlic, sesame oil, and chili oil adds anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, giving this salad an extra health boost.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick snack, meal prep, or as a side dish to a main course, this spicy cucumber salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad is the ultimate combination of simplicity, flavor, and health. This quick, 10-minute recipe brings together the freshness of cucumbers with a spicy, savory dressing that will enhance any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone side or pairing it with your favorite protein or rice dish, this salad is guaranteed to impress. Easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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More Relevant Recipes

• Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps: A delicious, savory dish that incorporates similar Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce and garlic, offering a fresh, crunchy texture that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer, just like the Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad.
• Mongolian Chicken Made Easy: This dish brings together the rich umami of soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of ginger, creating a perfect match for the Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad with its savory-sweet flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: With its bold soy and sesame flavors, this slow-cooked dish pairs wonderfully with the zesty and spicy notes of the cucumber salad, creating an easy, flavorful meal with complementary tastes.

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