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Home Side Salads

Smashed Cucumber Salad

By:Nagi
Published:14 Nov '19Updated:14 Sep '20
70 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

I’ll take my cucumbers SMASHED thanks!! This Cucumber Salad is made using an Asian technique – bashing the cucumbers so they burst open and the sesame ginger dressing creeps into all those cracks and crevices.

It’s a unique way to prepare cucumbers that creates unique textures and flavours. Try it once and you’ll be addicted for life!

Close up of fork piercing Smashed Cucumbers

Smashed Cucumber Salad

While one might assume this is a bit of gimmick – because seriously, who thinks to BASH cucumbers for a salad, bruising them into oblivion, smushing this otherwise crisp, juicy vegetable – Smashed Cucumbers is genuinely a way of preparing cucumbers that’s used across much of Asia.

In fact, I was prompted to share “my” version after my mother recently shared her Japanese version of Smashed Cucumbers.

It also helps that she brought some around as part of a bento box lunch set she delivered to me and my team one day! After seeing how obsessed everyone was with the cucumbers (seriously, they went before the Karaage!), it prompted me to share my version. 🙂

Smashing the cucumbers until they burst open lets the dressing get right into all those cracks and crevices!

Overhead photo of Asian Smashed Cucumbers in a bowl

How to make it

Here’s how to make Smashed Cucumber Salad:

  • Use anything heavy to bash the cucumbers until they burst open. I use a meat mallet (the smooth side, not ridged faced). Rolling pin, pestle or even a can will do. Don’t bash to the point of oblivion. They just need to bust (see the video);

  • Salt lightly – this is mainly to draw excess liquid out. We don’t squeeze out every drop of liquid, but we do want to draw some of the water out, otherwise it ends up really watery;

  • Toss with dressing. I also like to add green onions and coriander – I find it give it that extra tasty factor. But I still make it without!

How to make Smashed Cucumbers

What you need for Smashed Cucumber Salad

And here’s what you need.

What goes in Smashed Cucumbers

Difference between Telegraph / English cucumbers (long cucumbers) and Lebanese cucumbers, the most common variety

You can make this with long cucumbers (Telegraph / English cucumbers) or the more common standard cucumbers (called Lebanese cucumbers in Australia).

The difference between the two types is that the long cucumbers are not as watery / juicy inside so they have a slightly more intense cucumber flavour. It’s useful when you don’t want the natural juiciness of cucumbers to water down the flavour in a salad when you munch your way through it.

For this particular Cucumber Salad, either will work. Use 2 long ones, or 3 to 4 standard cucumbers.

Close up of Smashed Cucumbers in a rustic bowl, ready to be served

What to serve with Cucumber Salad

This is a cucumber salad with Asian flavours so it is ideal served with anything Asian. Chinese, Japanese food (see my mother’s website RecipeTin Japan), Thai, Vietnamese.

The big chunks of cucumber make it ideal hot weather food and because it’s so refreshing, it’s my natural choice for spicy foods such as:

  • Thai Chilli Basil Chicken

  • Sticky Baked Chinese Chicken Wings

  • Spicy Thai Chicken Stir Fry

  • Spicy Korean Pork Stir Fry

  • Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta (Shrimp)

  • Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)

It’s fantastically satisfying, making this Cucumber Salad. Just think – bad day at work, the kids are driving you mad, come home to prepare dinner and you get to vent your frustration by BASHING the food.

So therapeutic.

And really, really tasty. I’m confident you’ll love this! – Nagi x


Watch how to make it

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Close up of Smashed Cucumbers in a rustic bowl, ready to be served

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Author: Nagi
Sides
Asian
5 from 31 votes
Servings4 - 5 people
Tap or hover to scale
Print
Recipe video above. This is an Asian way of making cucumber salad that's utterly addictive! Cooling salad for spicy food and hot weather, smashing the cucumbers so they burst open makes the dressing get into right into all those cracks and crevices. Plus, it's just really satisfying to make!!

Ingredients

  • 500g/ 1 lb cucumbers (4 medium or 2 long cucumbers, Note 1)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro , roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions , sliced

Dressing:

  • 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp sesame oil , toasted (Note 2)
  • 1.5 tsp ginger , freshly grated
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

  • Bash the cucumbers until they split open on the sides (see video) using something heavy like the smooth side of a meat mallet, rolling pin, pestle or even a can.
  • Cut into 2.5cm/1" chunks then place in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle with salt, toss, leave for 20 minutes.
  • Drain excess liquid in the bowl.
  • Shake or mix Dressing well.
  • Drizzle over cucumbers, sprinkle with coriander and green onions. Toss and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes:

1. Cucumber type - use 2 long cucumbers (Telegraph/English Cucumbers) or 3 medium standard cucumbers (called "Lebanese" cucumbers in Australia, these are the most common variety).
2. Sesame oil - toasted sesame oil is brown and has more flavour than untoasted (which is yellow). Default sesame oil sold in Australia is toasted, untoasted is harder to find.
3. Coriander is optional. Green onion is ideal - can sub with finely sliced red onion, eschallots/shallots/French onions or chives.
4. Nutrition - the sodium level looks high because it includes all the salt used to draw excess liquid from the cucumbers. But much of this salt is discarded.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 41.49cal (2%)Carbohydrates: 4.23g (1%)Protein: 1.33g (3%)Fat: 2.25g (3%)Saturated Fat: 0.3g (2%)Sodium: 609.21mg (26%)Potassium: 216.13mg (6%)Fiber: 1.06g (4%)Sugar: 2.35g (3%)Vitamin A: 202.46IU (4%)Vitamin C: 10.47mg (13%)Calcium: 32.84mg (3%)Iron: 0.84mg (5%)
Keywords: cucumber salad, smashed cucumbers
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

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70 Comments

  1. Taysia says

    July 24, 2021 at 10:53 pm

    5 stars
    This is sooooo good! Such a simple, fresh, unique salad. I’ve made it quite a few times!

    Reply
  2. Bailey says

    July 16, 2021 at 5:31 am

    Made this last night and keep in fridge overnight. Served with Steamed White Rice and Steamed Dumplings (Pot Stickers) for lunch today. The chilled cucumbers and the sauce were wonderful with the warm Steamed Rice. Good mouth feel and crispy Cucumbers. Recipe in my recipe tin now.

    Reply
  3. Lynne says

    July 6, 2021 at 7:02 pm

    Nagi,
    I have a question: can you make this with peeled cucumbers? I love cukes, but cannot digest the skin — I even have to peel the 2 or 3 slices used to garnish dinner salads at restaurants.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 7, 2021 at 9:39 am

      Hi Lynn, you sure can! N x

      Reply
  4. Leesa Lee says

    June 9, 2021 at 7:23 am

    I’m having a dinner party and would love to make this. Can it be made a day ahead or will the cucumbers get too limp?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 10, 2021 at 9:40 am

      I prefer to make this fresh Leesa, although you could always prep the ingredients and then dress on the day too! N x

      Reply
  5. Dana says

    March 31, 2021 at 9:40 pm

    I absolutely LOVE this salad, thanks for the recipe!
    I actually just had it at a local restaurant (in China) and it had peanuts in it, which added some crunch. So delicious.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 1, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      YES! I must try this – that sounds amazing! N x

      Reply
  6. Vicky Rodgers says

    March 13, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Hi Nagi,I love your recipes. Give Dozer a big hug for me!

    Reply
  7. Hannah Chynoweth says

    March 4, 2021 at 6:06 am

    coriander AND Cilantro, or, coriander OR Cilantro. I rarely see fresh Coriander at the market so i’ll just get Cilantro but i do have ground Coriander seasoning, i could use a dash of that perhaps.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 4, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Hannah – they are the same thing, just called something different depending on where you’re located 🙂 N x

      Reply
  8. melissa says

    February 22, 2021 at 1:13 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious fresh salad. Added extra cilantro. Next time may add a bit of a stronger vinegar for a bit more tang. yum

    Reply
  9. Rita Mak says

    February 1, 2021 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    We make this about once a week as it’s loved by all, even the kids! Tonight I added some steamed green beans, which are normally so boring, and a sprinkling of togarashi, leaving out the coriander. So easy and so good…

    Reply
  10. Denise says

    January 25, 2021 at 7:14 pm

    Hi Nagi, unfortunately we are not ginger fans (I know!). Is there an alternative for the dressing please.

    Reply
    • Vicki says

      February 8, 2021 at 9:22 am

      Perhaps try lemon zest?

      Reply
  11. Andy says

    January 11, 2021 at 12:11 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is dynamite! 💥
    @Nagi, *all* your recipes are fantastic – my wife and I make them almost weekly. We love the food and how you keep things real, no goofy trends. Keep it up! 🙌

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 11, 2021 at 1:30 pm

      Thanks so much Andy, that’s great to hear!! N x

      Reply
  12. Ellen says

    January 7, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of those salads that looks super fancy but is just so quick and easy! Delicious and fresh, Thanks Nagi!
    P.S. would you every consider a print cookbook?

    Reply
  13. Jilly says

    November 29, 2020 at 3:34 am

    5 stars
    I served this with your Malaysian Sate Curry and it was such a beautiful balance of flavors, rich sate with these amazingly fresh cucumbers. Served with pandan rice and prawn crackers it was a veritable feast 😋 Thx Nagi

    Reply
  14. Macy says

    October 30, 2020 at 9:09 am

    Awhhhh…what a beautiful picture of Dozer. The colors of his beautiful fur come through in this pic. Love his doggie eyelashes😊

    Reply
  15. Francesca Belli says

    October 3, 2020 at 8:24 pm

    5 stars
    Another super winner Nagi… delicious!… everyone in the family loved this. We served it with Asian Salad and Smashed Cucumber (this is divine too)

    Reply
    • Fran says

      October 3, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      5 stars
      Woops… this comment was meant for the Massaman Lamb shanks

      Reply
  16. Duha says

    July 10, 2020 at 3:36 am

    This is THE BEST recipe blog on the internet!!!!😍😍😍 THANK YOU

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 10, 2020 at 7:41 am

      Thanks so much Duha ❤️

      Reply
  17. Jwujwu says

    July 5, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    I loved the flavor of the dressing, but somehow my cucumbers were rubbery and limp. Any ideas in how to keep them crisp or what went wrong (I did follow the salting suggestion)?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 6, 2020 at 10:39 am

      Hi Jwujwu, sorry you had issues here, you can always skip the salting to ensure the cucumbers stay crispy if you prefer! N x

      Reply
  18. Trudy says

    May 29, 2020 at 11:36 am

    My husband and I are addicted to these tasty cucumbers!
    I have been trying out many of your recipes while we cook and eat more at home! Honey Mustard Drumsticks for the win last night! Delicious as usual. Thanks!

    Reply
  19. Rajesh says

    April 10, 2020 at 10:21 pm

    5 stars
    Simple, refreshing and wonderful. Loved it a lot. its the best thing to have a hot summer afternoon.Thank you very much for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 11, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      YES!! It’s so addictive! N x

      Reply
      • Rajesh says

        April 12, 2020 at 2:40 pm

        5 stars
        Its is indeed, on the second attempt, i dropped the sugar and increased the spice a bit. The dish packed a serious punch and now i am hooked to it. thank you very much Nagi.

        Reply
  20. Caryn Tay says

    March 17, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this in a restaurant and wanted to recreate it. Your recipe turned out better than the restaurant’s!!!

    Reply
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I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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