Korean BBQ Smashed Cucumber Salad

Chef Ryan Wiebe
Servings

4

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cuisine

Euro-Asian

Category

Side Dish

This Korean BBQ smashed cucumber salad is the kind of side dish you'll want on repeat all summer. Smashing the cucumbers instead of slicing them creates craggy edges that soak up every drop of the sweet, savory, tangy dressing, while Spiceology's Korean BBQ seasoning adds instant depth without a long ingredient list. It comes together in about 25 minutes with zero cooking, making it an easy way to add big flavor to a weeknight dinner or backyard cookout. The crunch of ice-crisped green onions and toasted peanuts against the cool, tender cucumber is downright addictive, and the flavor only builds the longer it sits. Simple, fast, and packed with flavor — this is a side dish worth making on repeat.

Korean BBQ Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

  • 5–6 mini cucumbers (about 1 lb)

  • 1 tbsp Spiceology Korean BBQ seasoning

  • 2 tbsp Japanese BBQ sauce (such as Bachan’s) or soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 2 tbsp crushed peanuts

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • Radish, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)

  • Crispy fried garlic, for garnish (optional)

  • Salt, as needed (about 1/2 tsp)

Directions

  1. Trim the ends off the cucumbers. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a chef's knife, press down on each one just until the skin cracks and the flesh splits — you want craggy edges, not mush. Tear or cut into bite-sized chunks.

  2. Toss the cucumbers with the kosher salt in a colander set over a bowl. Let drain 10–15 minutes.

  3. While the cucumbers drain, whisk the barbecue sauce, rice vinegar, Korean BBQ Seasoning, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl until the honey fully dissolves.

  4. Drop the sliced green onions into a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to curl and crisp. Drain and pat dry.

  5. Pat the drained cucumbers dry with paper towels — the drier they are, the better the dressing clings. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with the dressing until every piece is coated.

  6. Pile onto a serving platter and top with the crushed peanuts, crisped green onions, and the radishes and crispy garlic, if using. Serve right away.
Recipe Products
Blend

Korean BBQ Seasoning

Key Ingredients

Gochugaru Korean Chili Flake, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seed, Tamari Soy Granules, Maple Sugar