Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp

This Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp is my shortcut version of the classic smashed cucumber dish you'll find all over China and Taiwan. Instead of smashing the cucumbers, I slice them thinly for a quicker prep - and swap fresh chilies for a spoonful of chili crisp for that same addictive heat and crunch, with way less work. It's the perfect summer side dish: cool, spicy, garlicky, and refreshing!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Version
• About the Ingredients
• How to make Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp (Step by Step)
• Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp Recipe
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Cucumber Recipes to Try!

If you're looking for the traditional method with smashed cucumbers and sliced chili peppers, check out my original Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe!

Why You'll Love This Version

• Simple ingredients and minimal prep
• Just toss, chill, and enjoy-no fancy knife work or cooking required
• Chili crisp adds bold flavor without needing fresh chilies or hot oil
• Light, refreshing, and perfect as a cold side dish for any meal
• Great for summer, meal prep, or whenever you want something cool and flavorful

About the Ingredients

This easy cucumber salad uses just a few flavorful ingredients-and chances are, you already have most of them in your pantry or fridge! Here's a quick breakdown:

• Cucumber: I like using English or Persian cucumbers because they're crisp, slightly sweet, have fewer seeds, and have thin tender skin.
• Salt: A small amount of salt helps draw out excess water from the cucumbers, concentrating their flavor and giving you a crunchier bite.
• Garlic & Green Onion: These aromatics bring bold flavor and a savory kick to the dish. When you pour hot oil over them (which is optional but recommended), it wakes them up even more.
• Chili Crisp: This is what makes the salad pop - it's spicy, savory, crunchy, and packed with umami. You can use your favorite brand (I used Lao Gan Ma), and adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Rice Vinegar & Sugar: These balance the heat with a tangy-sweet flavor combo that makes the salad super refreshing. You can add more or less vinegar depending on how punchy you like it.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and rounds out the flavor. Don't skip this one - it gives the salad that signature depth.
• Neutral Oil (Optional): Heating oil and pouring it over the garlic and green onions is totally optional, but I recommend it. It gives the aromatics a boost and makes the whole dish more fragrant and flavorful.
  

How to make Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp (Step by Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 large English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced
• ½ to 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons chili crisp (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, chopped
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for heating and drizzling)

Salt the cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Drain and dry: After 30 minutes, drain off the liquid and gently pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.

Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine garlic, chili crisp, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and green onion.

(Optional but recommended) Infuse with hot oil:
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a small pan until just shimmering. Carefully drizzle the hot oil over the chili crisp, garlic, and green onion mixture to sizzle and bring out the aromatics.

Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until well coated. Chill for 10-15 minutes if desired before serving.

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More Delicious Cucumber Recipes to Try!

If you love refreshing, savory cucumber dishes, here are more tasty ideas from the blog:

• Chinese Shredded Chicken Cucumber Salad: A cold dish made with shredded chicken, cucumbers, garlic, and a tangy sesame dressing-just like my mom used to make.
• Chinese Cucumber Pickles: Spicy, sour, and super crunchy! These homemade Chinese pickles are packed with garlic, chili, and Sichuan peppercorn flavor.
• Beef Cucumber Stir Fry: Tender marinated beef stir-fried with crunchy cucumber and garlic. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Shrimp Cucumber Stir Fry: Light, garlicky, and refreshing-this stir fry features juicy shrimp and crisp cucumbers in a simple, delicious sauce.