Tiktok Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad Zesty Crunchy

TikTok Asian Cucumber Salad Zesty Smashed Delight

By Chef YoyoSeptember 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a salad that's seriously addictive? Ever scrolled TikTok and seen that tiktok asian cucumber salad everyone's raving about? Honestly, it's all the rage for a reason.

It’s crunchy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy.

Brief Overview

This asian cucumber salad recipe is inspired by Korean flavors. It’s super easy to make in about 15 minutes. This will give about four servings.

A simple side dish or a refreshing light meal, is perfect for summer.

Main Benefits

Cucumbers are hydrating and packed with nutrients. The tiktok cucumber recipe is a tasty way to up your veggie intake.

This is the perfect side for your next barbecue or picnic. It is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!

Unleashing the Smashed Cucumber Salad Magic

Okay, let’s be real, what's all the fuss about smashed cucumber salad ? Honestly? It's about texture and flavour. The cucumber smashing technique breaks down the cucumber, allowing the dressing to really sink in.

You end up with something way more flavourful than your average cucumber salad.

Think of this as your new go-to quick cucumber side dish . It's far from boring. This spicy cucumber salad packs a punch thanks to the chilli garlic sauce.

If you're a fan of korean cucumber salad , you'll be all over this!

Dress to Impress: The Cucumber Salad Dressing Secret

The dressing is where the magic happens. I love how balanced this is. It is sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy.

Using sesame oil is the best and is essential for that authentic easy asian salad flavor. Honestly, I sometimes double the dressing recipe just to have extra! It is a great addition as a refreshing summer salad .

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's get down to what you'll need to nail this tiktok asian cucumber salad . This is proper easy, I promise.

No fancy chef skills required, just a bit of bashing and chopping.

Main Ingredients

2 large English cucumbers ( about 1 lb / 450g ). Seriously, get the unwaxed ones if you can. They taste miles better.
1/4 cup (5g) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped. Don't be shy with it!
1 scallion, thinly sliced. The green bits only if you're feeling fancy.
1 tablespoon (15ml) toasted sesame seeds. Toasted is key; it brings out the flavour.

For the cucumber quality, go for firm ones. Nobody wants a soggy salad, do they? Honestly, that's the only thing you need to focus on, as you're going to be smashing them anyway!

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens. It makes the salad easy asian salad .

3 tablespoons (45ml) rice vinegar. Don't skimp.
2 tablespoons (30ml) low-sodium soy sauce. Keeps the salt levels reasonable.
1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil. Essential for that authentic Asian flavour.
1 tablespoon (15ml) honey. Maple syrup works great if you're vegan.
1 teaspoon (5ml) chili garlic sauce. Sriracha is perfect here. I love a spicy cucumber salad !
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) grated fresh ginger. Adds a lovely warmth.
1 clove garlic, minced. Finely!

Don’t have rice vinegar? White wine vinegar will do in a pinch. This cucumber salad dressing is easily adjustable, so taste it and tweak it! For a korean cucumber salad vibe, add a tiny bit of gochujang to the dressing, if you like it hot!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah? You don't need a full kitchen armoury for the recipe for the tiktok cucumber recipe , aka smashed cucumber salad .

Large cutting board. For all that bashing!
Sharp knife. Obvs.
Rolling pin (or heavy skillet). For the cucumber smashing technique .
Large bowl. To mix it all together.
Small bowl. For the dressing.
Whisk. Or a fork, whatever's handy.

Don't have a rolling pin? A sturdy frying pan will do. Just be careful you don't whack the cucumbers too hard! This is a quick cucumber side dish .

Perfect for summer, or any time you want something refreshing summer salad .

Right then, let's get stuck in. This tiktok asian cucumber salad is, honestly, a game changer. I've had some dodgy salads in my time, but this? This is different .

Think you don't like cucumbers? Think again!

Cooking Up a TikTok Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad

This isn't just any asian cucumber salad recipe ; it's a flavour explosion. The cucumber smashing technique sounds violent, but it's key.

Cracking the cucumbers releases all that lovely watery goodness, creating a better surface for the absolutely banging cucumber salad dressing .

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Dance

First, get your stuff sorted. Mise en place sounds fancy, but it just means having everything ready before you start.

Chop your 2 large English cucumbers (about 1 lb / 450g), your quarter cup (5g) of cilantro , and one scallion .

Prep that dressing: 3 tablespoons (45ml) rice vinegar , 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce , 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil , 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey , 1 teaspoon (5ml) chili garlic sauce , half teaspoon (2.

5ml) ginger , and 1 clove garlic . Toast your 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame seeds . Done.

Safety wise? Be careful with that knife, yeah? Don't want any A&E trips.

step-by-step: Smash It, Chop It, Toss It

Smash those cukes. Pop them on your board. Give them a gentle whack with a rolling pin (or even a heavy frying pan), just enough to crack them.
Chop 'em. Rough chop the smashed cucumber salad into bite sized bits.
Dressing time! Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
Combine. Chuck the cucumber, cilantro, and scallions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over. Toss it all about.
Chill. (Optional, but worth it) Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours mingle.
Garnish and Serve Sprinkle with your toasted sesame seeds. Tuck in!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Want that extra oomph ? Toast your sesame seeds. It brings out a nutty flavour. Make sure to watch them closely while toasting in a dry pan.

They can burn quickly! You can even make it a spicy cucumber salad by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Common mistake? Overdressing! Add the dressing a bit at a time; you don't want soup.

This easy asian salad also works well with grilled meats or as a quick cucumber side dish . It's super refreshing summer salad that ticks all the boxes.

So there you have it. A TikTok inspired tiktok cucumber recipe that's super easy. Get smashing!

Recipe Notes

Right, so you're about to nail this tiktok asian cucumber salad . These notes will ensure success. Trust me, I've had my fair share of smashed cucumber salad fails and triumphs.

Learning from your kitchen mistakes is something. So, take these tips on board!

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

This easy asian salad is like a little black dress it goes with everything! Plating is key. Pile the spicy cucumber salad high in a pretty bowl.

Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and maybe a few more coriander leaves. If you're feeling fancy, serve it alongside grilled salmon or chicken.

It cuts through the richness perfectly. Thinking of drinks? A crisp, dry white wine or even a sparkling water with a slice of lime would be spot on.

This quick cucumber side dish shines with simplicity. It also a good side for rice. You can think of it a korean cucumber salad .

Storage Tips: Keep It Crunchy!

Okay, so you've made a massive bowl of this refreshing asian cucumber salad recipe ? No judgement here! Honestly, it's tempting.

The key to keeping it fresh is proper storage. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. But fair warning, the cucumbers will release some water, making the dressing a bit diluted.

Freezing? Not recommended. The cucumbers will turn mushy, and no one wants that. When reheating, there is no reheating to do.

This is a cold dish!

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to mix things up a bit? Go for it! For a vegan version, swap the honey in the cucumber salad dressing with maple syrup or agave.

For a gluten-free option, double check your soy sauce. Make sure you use Tamari instead. You can also switch in ingredients depending on the season.

During the colder months, maybe add some toasted nuts or dried cranberries for a bit of festive cheer.

Nutrition Basics: Healthy and Delicious!

This tiktok cucumber recipe isn't just tasty, it's good for you too! Each serving is roughly 90-120 calories. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from the cucumbers and ginger.

Also it's very hydrating! The cucumber smashing technique helps release all those healthy juices. Plus, the sesame seeds provide a good dose of healthy fats.

It’s a perfect refreshing summer salad that won't leave you feeling guilty!

So there you have it. Everything you need to make this amazing tiktok asian cucumber salad with confidence. Now go forth and smash those cucumbers! You've got this!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you smash the cucumbers in this TikTok Asian cucumber salad recipe? Is it really necessary?

Smashing the cucumbers is key! It might seem a bit aggressive, but it gently breaks down the cucumber's cell structure. This creates more surface area for the dressing to soak in and also releases some of the cucumber's natural water, concentrating the flavour and giving you that satisfying crunch we all crave, similar to how you might tenderize meat.

Can I make this TikTok asian cucumber salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?

You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time! Make the dressing in advance and store it separately. Smash and chop the cucumbers just before you plan to dress the salad.

While chilling it after dressing helps the flavours meld, keep in mind that it will start to lose some of its initial crunch after a few hours, so aim to serve it within the same day for the best texture.

I don't have chili garlic sauce. What's a good substitute for some heat in this Asian cucumber salad?

No worries, spice is a personal preference! A good substitute for chili garlic sauce would be a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a small squeeze of sriracha or gochujang (if you're feeling adventurous!).

You could also use a tiny bit of finely minced fresh chili if you're feeling brave just remember a little goes a long way. It is always better to add a bit at a time and taste as you go, until you have your desired heat.

Is this TikTok Asian cucumber salad healthy? What's the nutritional information?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with flavour without being too heavy. It is relatively low in calories and a good source of vitamins and fibre from the cucumbers. Each serving is estimated to have around 90-120 calories, 2g of protein, 6g of fat, 9g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 6g of sugar and 300mg of sodium (this will vary depending on soy sauce used).

Feel free to reduce the honey for a lower sugar option!

What are some variations I can try to spice up (literally or figuratively!) this TikTok Asian cucumber salad recipe?

The possibilities are endless, darling! For extra spice, add more chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a nuttier flavour, try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dressing (it's divine!). You could also add toasted peanuts for an extra crunch.

For a fresher twist, try adding some mint or Thai basil along with the cilantro, or even adding thin slivers of red onion.