Smashed Cucumber Salad with Air-Fried Tofu

Recipe by: Alak Nanda & Sanskriti Bist

Servings: 3

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Air-Fried Tofu


✦ Ingredients

  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 200–250g firm or extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1½ tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2–3 tbsp Crunchy Peanut PODI
  • 1–2 tsp honey (optional)
  • 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
  • 2–3 tbsp crispy fried onions
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Small handful fresh herbs (cilantro or mint)
  • Flaky sea salt or PODI life Curd Chili fleur de sel, to finish

✦ Instructions

  1. Cut the cucumbers into 3–4 cm pieces and smash each piece using the flat side of a knife or the bottom of a glass until cracked and jagged but not mushy. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Tear or cut into bite-sized chunks, toss with soy sauce and sesame oil, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
  3. In a bowl, mix the grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Crunchy Peanut PODI. Taste and add honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter, more rounded dressing.
  4. Toss the smashed cucumbers with the dressing until well coated. Gently fold in the crispy tofu.
  5. Toss the smashed cucumbers with the dressing until well coated. Gently fold in the crispy tofu.
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