Spicy Garlic Chili Oil Smashed Cucumbers

Smashed cucumber salads have become popular for a reason. They’re cold, crunchy, refreshing, and somehow manage to feel more interesting than a standard side salad with almost no effort involved. Smashing the cucumbers instead of slicing them neatly creates rough edges and crevices that grab onto dressing and hold onto more flavor in every bite.

This version keeps the fresh, cooling crunch but gives it a little more character with Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic Chili Crisp. The garlic, chilies, and crunchy bits settle into all those uneven edges, turning a simple vegetable side into something with real texture and a little heat. Since there’s no cooking involved, it also happens to be one of the easier dishes to throw together.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers
• 2 tablespoons Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic Chili Crisp
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and gently smash them with the flat side of a knife or the bottom of a sturdy glass.
2. Break or cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
3. Add Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic Chili Crisp, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Toss until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
5. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve immediately or chill for a few minutes before serving.

This is the kind of side dish that disappears faster than expected. The cucumbers stay crisp and refreshing while the chili crisp adds enough heat and crunch to keep each bite from feeling repetitive. If you're looking for another quick and easy snack, check out our Furikake Hot Garlic Snack Mix recipe.