Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Printable)

Crunchy cucumbers meet garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for instant Asian-inspired flavor in minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Dressing

03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, adjust to taste
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

09 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
10 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Place sliced cucumbers and minced garlic into a large, sealable jar or container.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili flakes, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers in the jar.
04 - Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds to ensure even coating.
05 - Allow the mixture to stand for 5 to 10 minutes to develop flavors.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately. Refrigerate before serving for a chilled option.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The aggressive shaking technique releases more flavor than gentle tossing ever could
  • Its ready in under ten minutes but tastes like it marinated for hours
  • The dressing doubles as a quick sauce for grilled meats or rice bowls
02 -
  • Shaking in a jar actually bruises the cucumbers slightly which helps them soak up the dressing faster
  • The salad gets watery if it sits too long so eat it within a few hours of making it
  • Regular cucumbers work but peel them first since the skins can get tough in the dressing
03 -
  • Use a wide-mouth jar for easier shaking and less mess
  • Double the dressing and keep the extra in a small bottle for quick weeknight salads
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