Description
Smashing cucumbers with the flat side of a knife creates jagged edges that grab dressing better than clean slices ever could. This version adds seared chicken thighs and a bright, spicy sesame-chili-garlic dressing to turn the side into a full meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 Persian cucumbers or 2 English cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp or chili oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Place the cucumbers on a cutting board. Lay the flat side of a large knife on each cucumber and press down firmly to crush them — they should split and crack. Cut the smashed cucumbers into rough 1-inch pieces.
- Toss the cucumbers with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes to drain excess water. Pat dry.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili crisp, garlic, and sugar.
- Toss the drained cucumbers with the dressing. Arrange on a plate and top with the sliced chicken.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Salting and draining the smashed cucumbers removes excess water so the dressing does not get diluted — skip this step and you end up with a watery plate.
- Smashing creates irregular surfaces that trap the dressing in every crevice, which is the whole point of this technique.
- This salad does not hold well — the cucumbers continue to release water. Dress it right before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 110