Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic and Sesame

Name: Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic and Sesame
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients: 500 g cucumbers; 1 tsp fine salt; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1 tsp sesame seeds

Crunchy smashed cucumbers tossed with garlic, soy, rice vinegar and sesame.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 20 minMakes 4 servings

Jump to Recipe

Smashed cucumbers develop jagged edges that catch the garlic, soy and sesame dressing. Salt them briefly and drain off excess water, then dress just before serving for the best crunch. Rinse and dry cucumbers. Gently crack them with a rolling pin, then cut into bite-size pieces. Toss with salt and rest 10 minutes. Drain off released liquid. Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil and garlic. Toss cucumbers with dressing and dill. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve promptly. Measure ingredients before you begin. Cut ingredients into even pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning near the end. Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.

Recipe card

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic and Sesame

Prep 20 minCook 30 minTotal 20 minYield 4 servings

Adjust recipe Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Knife, cutting board, mixing bowl and suitable pan

Ingredients

500 g cucumbers 1 tsp fine salt 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp granulated sugar 1 tbsp sesame oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Smash cucumbers
Rinse and dry cucumbers. Gently crack them with a rolling pin, then cut into bite-size pieces.
Salt and drain
Toss with salt and rest 10 minutes. Drain off released liquid.
Make dressing
Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil and garlic.
Toss and serve
Toss cucumbers with dressing and dill. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve promptly.

How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender and hot throughout.

Tips

Measure ingredients before you begin.
Cut ingredients into even pieces.
Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
If browning too quickly, reduce the heat.

Substitutions

Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
Choose a compatible broth or dairy alternative.

Variations

Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Serving suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad.
Offer fresh herbs at the table.
Pair with bread or a suitable grain.
Add a simple seasonal vegetable side.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients ahead; refrigerate perishable components and cook shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains soy and sesame. Keep chilled and serve soon after dressing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.

How should I store smashed cucumber salad?

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.