Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Printable Version)

Quick crunchy cucumbers tossed with garlic, soy, sesame oil, and chili for a bold, refreshing side dish.

# 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)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Place sliced cucumbers and minced garlic into a large, sealable jar or container.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili flakes, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
03 - Pour dressing over cucumbers in the jar.
04 - Seal jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds to thoroughly coat cucumbers.
05 - Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately or chill before serving for extra crispness.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you can say "appetizer," making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need something fresh immediately.
  • That satisfying crunch and bold garlic-soy punch feels way more complex than the ten minutes it actually takes.
  • One jar, one shake, and suddenly you've got a foolproof side dish that pairs with literally anything.
02 -
  • The dressing won't coat evenly if the sugar hasn't dissolved completely—take an extra ten seconds to whisk it properly or you'll end up with grainy bites.
  • Don't skip the shaking step by just stirring in a bowl; the vigorous motion is what allows the dressing to actually penetrate the cucumber slices instead of sitting on top.
  • These are best eaten within an hour or two before the cucumbers become too soft—they're meant to be aggressively crunchy.
03 -
  • Chill your serving bowl before adding the cucumbers—the cold makes them taste even crisper and more refreshing.
  • If the dressing tastes too intense straight from the bowl, trust that it mellows slightly once it coats the cucumbers, so resist the urge to water it down.
  • Make the dressing in the jar itself if you're feeling lazy, then just add cucumbers and garlic and shake—fewer dishes, same delicious result.
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