No fuss and no mess. Delicious Asian Cucumber salad in 10 Minutes.

Deliciously flavoured with sesame and soy sauce, this crisp & crunchy Asian cucumber salad recipe is perfect for beginner Japanese or Asian food chefs. You will be hooked by the flavor and simplicity of this salad, because this Japanese cucumber salad really is super easy! 10 minutes and you're done. By the way, you'll need a ziplock bag and rolling pin.

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Asian cucumber salad is a delicious and refreshing summer salad that we enjoy in the hot summers of Japan. It is also known as “Tataki Kyuri” (smashed cucumber) in Japanese and it is actually a very popular salad all year round! This Asian smashed cucumber salad is super easy and quick to make in under 10 minutes with a Japanese trick.

Asian cucumber salad served in a Japanese pottery serving bowl with a pair of chopsticks

What is Asian Cucumber Salad?

So what is the difference between an “Asian” cucumber salad from just a common cucumber salad? Although cucumbers are now grown in many different places in the world, they originated in Asia. Also, the dressing has a typical Asian flavour; sesame seed oil and soy sauce.

two cucumbers, sesame seed oil, sesame seeds, torigara soup granules, minced garlic, togarashi, soy sauce, and sugar

Ingredients You Need

Cucumber
Sesame seed oil
Torigara Soup (instant powder)
Sugar
Toasted sesame seeds
Grated garlic
Togarashi (dried bird’s eye chilli)

Which Type of Cucumber is Used for Asian Cucumber Salad?

Cucumbers are classified into three types; Slicing, Pickling and Speciality. If Japanese cucumbers called “Kyuri” are available, they are the best suited for the Asian Cucumber Salad recipe. Japanese cucumbers are one of the slicing variety. They are slender, with tiny bumps and thin skin and have a dark green colour. Japanese cucumber Kyuri have a crisp and crunchy texture with a sweet flesh. Reference : berkeleywellness.com

4 photo collage showing how to smash two cucumbers in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin

How to Choose Good Cucumbers?

Choose cucumbers that feel firm to the touch. Avoid the cucumbers which have soft or dark patches. Furthermore, look for bright green colored cucumbers. Avoid the ones that are dull green in color or have yellowish skin. This is a strong indication that they are not fresh.

Adding all seasonings into a ziplock bag with smashed cucumbers and toss them together in the bag with 4 photos

Why and How to Smash the Cucumbers?

Smashing the cucumbers makes the flavour penetrate through the cucumber easier. Place the washed cucumbers in a strong ziplock bag. Zip the bag and bash the cucumbers over the ziplock with a rolling pin. Then add all the seasonings into the bag and toss them together in the bag. Super easy and no mess!

Tips to Make Your Asian Cucumber Salad Delicious

Choose Japanese cucumber “Kyuri” or similar to this type of cucumber.
Pick fresh cucumbers. See How to choose above.
Use s strong ziplock bag and do not over smash them. It might break the bag (I did) and also over-smashing them will draw more liquid from the fruit. This will make this salad watery and the sesame and soy flavour weak.

What Japanese Dishes to Serve with

Other Japanese Salads to Try

Japanese cucumber salad served in a small Japanese pottery bowl with a pair of chopsticks

FAQ

Q: What could I substitute soy sauce with?

Soy sauce can be replaced with coconut aminos or salt. Read more about Japanese food substitutions.

Q: How long will this salad last?

This refreshing salad can be made in under 10 minutes so you don’t need to make it ahead of time. You can serve immediately or leave overnight to marinade. It will keep fresh a couple days refrigerated.

Japanese cucumber salad served in a Japanese pottery serving bowl

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Asian Cucumber Salad

Course: Appetiser, Salad

Cuisine: Japanese

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Servings:

Calories: 99kcal

Author: Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles

Rate this recipe

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin

Equipment

a ziplock bag
a rolling pin

Ingredients

Instructions

Wash the cucumber and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Chop off the both ends of the cucumbers.
Place the cucumbers into a ziplock bag.
Zip the bag and smash the cucumber over the bag with a wooden rolling pin.
Open the ziplock bag and break the large pieces of smashed cucumbers into smaller pieces.
Add the rest on the ingredients into the bag.
Zip up the bag and toss the cucumbers and seasoning together with your hands.
Serve immediately in a serving bow or marinate in the fridge longer.

Video

Notes

*1 The photograph shows Lebanese cucumbers which are available and similar to Japanese cucumbers in Australia. If you can find Japanese cucumbers called “Kyuri” they would be the best option. Continental cucumbers are also okay to use.

*2 Soy sauce can be replaced with coconut aminos or liquid aminos.

*3 Chicken Carcass instant soup granules. Available from Japanese grocery stores or Online shops.

*4 Optional. If you like a spicy kick, use a whole togarashi, or the amount to your liking.

Nutrition

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