Thai Smashed Cucumber Salad (Tum Taeng)
Description
Thai Smashed Cucumber Salad, or Tum Taeng, is a refreshing, spicy-sour salad bursting with flavor. Made by lightly smashing cucumbers to absorb a bold dressing of lime, fish sauce, chili, garlic, and sugar, it’s commonly eaten as a side dish with sticky rice and grilled meats in Thai cuisine. This salad is a cousin to the famous Som Tum (green papaya salad) but easier to prepare and just as addictive.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
Main Salad:
2 medium cucumbers (preferably Persian or English cucumbers)
1 medium tomato (sliced into wedges)
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp roasted peanuts (crushed)
1 small shallot, thinly sliced (optional)
2–3 long beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional but authentic)
Dressing:
2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to heat tolerance)
2 cloves garlic
1.5 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan)
1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp tamarind paste (optional but authentic)
1–2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
1. Prep Cucumbers:
Wash and dry cucumbers.
Using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin, lightly smash the cucumbers until they crack open.
Slice into bite-sized chunks and set aside in a colander with a pinch of salt to draw out excess moisture. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a mortar and pestle (or small food processor), pound or blend the chilies and garlic into a coarse paste.
Add sugar and pound again until dissolved.
Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste (if using), and water. Adjust to taste: balance should be spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet.
3. Assemble:
In a mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomato wedges, long beans, shallots, and cilantro.
Pour over the dressing and toss well.
Top with crushed peanuts right before serving for crunch.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – approx. 1 cup)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~90 kcal
Protein 2g
Fat 4g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 5g
Sodium ~700 mg (from fish sauce)
Note: Nutrition varies depending on specific ingredients and portion size.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes (for cucumbers)
Assembling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If you prepare it ahead, store cucumbers and dressing separately to keep them crisp.
Q: What if I don’t have a mortar and pestle?
A: You can finely mince garlic and chili with a knife, then mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl.
Q: Is this salad vegetarian or vegan?
A: The traditional version uses fish sauce. For vegan/vegetarian, replace it with soy sauce or mushroom sauce.
Q: What can I serve with this salad?
A: Pair it with grilled chicken, sticky rice, tofu, or as a spicy side to any Thai-inspired meal.
Q: How spicy is this salad?
A: It can be very spicy! Adjust chilies to your preference—start with 1 if you’re
sensitive to heat.