Smashed Cucumber Salad

Method

• 1)

  Make sure to carefully follow each step of the instructions for the best results :

  • Smash the cucumbers
    Cut both ends off the cucumbers. Lay each cucumber flat on a cutting board, place the flat side of a large knife on top, and press down firmly with the heel of your hand — one confident, decisive smack is all you need. The cucumber will crack and split open into rough, irregular pieces. Once smashed, cut diagonally into bite-sized chunks about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. The jagged, uneven edges are the whole point — they are what grip every drop of dressing and make this salad so much better than a standard slice.
  • Salt and drain
    Transfer the smashed cucumber pieces to a colander, sprinkle with sea salt, toss well, and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The salt draws out excess moisture, preventing the dressing from becoming diluted. After resting, shake the colander well or pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels before dressing.
  • Make the dressing
    In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and grated garlic until the sugar dissolves. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt, tang, and heat to your liking before combining with the cucumbers. If using Chinese black vinegar, use slightly less as it has a deeper, more complex, more intense flavor than rice vinegar.
  • Combine and toss
    Transfer the drained cucumbers into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss until every jagged piece is glossy and coated. Add the chili crisp and sesame seeds and toss again. For the full TikTok experience, use a sealed quart deli container and shake everything together vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds.
  • Rest and serve
    Let the salad sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes so the cucumbers absorb the dressing fully. Finish with sliced scallions, an extra drizzle of chili crisp, and a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.