15 Minute Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (VIDEO)
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Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (or sometimes simply called Asian Cucumber Salad) is super light, refreshing, and the perfect side to your favorite Asian dishes!
Watch the Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe video!
A Note from CJ
I LOVE Cucumber Salads!
By now, you probably can tell that I am obsessed with cucumber salads! One of my most popular recipes is a copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad but I also love my 10 Minute Korean Cucumber Salad! Drizzle homemade chili oil if you want a spicy kick and serve with dishes like Mapo Tofu or Dan Dan Noodles!
Simple yet delicious! A favourite recipe of mine when you just need something both savoury and refreshing.
Ingredient Tips
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements!
- cucumbers – I recommend Persian or English cucumbers because they are seedless, typically sweeter and contain less water than regular cucumbers. This will result in a more crisp salad when marinated in the delicious dressing!
- rice vinegar – if you do not have any rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute with mirin or apple cider vinegar.
- ginger (optional): I like to add grated ginger for a nice zing!
How to Make Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Mix the Dressing – In a large bowl mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic, ginger and sesame oil.
Cut the Cucumbers and Mix with Dressing – Cut cumbers into 1.5″ pieces; carefully smash them with the large end of your knife. Remove the inner flesh and seeds from each piece of cucumber. Add the smashed cucumbers to the dressing and mix together. Marinate for 10 minutes before serving!
PRO TIPS
CJ’s Recipe & Storage Tips
Dry the Cucumbers – After washing your cucumbers, wipe them down to remove any excess water and prevent from watering down the salad. The cucumbers are already high in water content!
Smash with Caution – I like to smash my cucumbers with the flat side of my knife (cleaver) but you use anything heavy to smash your cucumbers, like a meat mallet, rolling pin, pestle or even a clean can.
Scrape Out Inner Seeds and Flesh – This is optional but I like to scrape out some of the inner seeds and flesh of the cucumber and discard.
Storage – Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You may notice that the dish will get more watery the longer it sits – this is due to the high water content of cucumbers and is normal. I prefer eating this immediately or within 1-2 days of making it.
If you tried this Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (VIDEO)
Ingredients
- 2 lb cucumber, Persian or English
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic, ginger and sesame oil.
- Cut cumbers into 1.5" pieces; carefully smash them with the large end of your knife. Remove the inner flesh and seeds from each piece of cucumber.
- Add the smashed cucumbers to the dressing and mix together. Marinate for 10 minutes. Serve!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe was originally posted in March 2023, and updated in January 2026.
Love cucumber dishes!
One of my all time favorite sides when I make Mongolian beef!
@nadiabaig
I could not include my ig handle in my previous review… here it is IG@HISBELOVIVED
I love this Cucumber salad!!! So crisp and refreshing and super easy to make! It’s fun to smash the cucumber too.. just make sure to do it in the sink with an apron on… it can get a little messy 😉 but so worth it!
I love this recipe! My partner and I make this at least once a week!
samorando
Simple yet delicious! A favourite recipe of mine when you just need something both savoury and refreshing.
Amazing! So easy to make and absolutely hits the spot when I am craving a quick snack. : )
Delightful and delicious.
Refreshing and tasty. I added red pepper flakes for spice. Made it as a side with the air fryer karaage