Smashed Spicy Cucumber Salad

This Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and packed with bold flavor from gochugaru, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Made with Persian cucumbers and a quick, savory dressing, it’s the perfect easy side dish for summer meals, BBQs, or Asian-inspired dinners. Fresh, spicy, and ready in minutes, this cucumber salad will be your new go-to

Ingredients

• Persian cucumbers (about 4–5 small ones)

• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• ½ teaspoon sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the cucumbers:

   Rinse the Persian cucumbers and pat them dry. Place them on a cutting board and gently smash them with the side of a knife or a rolling pin until they split. Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the dressing:

   In a small bowl, whisk together the gochugaru, sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar until well combined.

3. Assemble the salad:

   Toss the smashed cucumber pieces with the dressing until evenly coated. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes to soak in the flavors.

4. Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving for an even more refreshing taste.