Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Print Version)

Crisp cucumbers with bold garlic, soy, and sesame flavors. Ready in 10 minutes. Vegan and dairy-free.

# 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 Prepare:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less time than waiting for takeout and tastes just as bold and exciting.
  • The shake method bruises the cucumbers just enough to soak up all that garlicky, tangy goodness without any fancy equipment.
  • You can make it ahead and it only gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or last minute guests.
02 -
  • If your cucumbers are watery or have huge seeds, scoop out the center with a spoon before slicing or they'll dilute the dressing.
  • Shaking really does make a difference because it lightly bruises the cucumber skin and helps the marinade penetrate faster than just stirring ever could.
  • Don't skip the resting time, even five minutes transforms them from dressed cucumbers into something deeply flavorful.
03 -
  • Use a glass jar instead of plastic so you can see the cucumbers tumbling and the dressing coating every piece as you shake.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before sprinkling them on top, it wakes up their flavor and makes the whole dish smell incredible.
  • If you want them spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of chili oil right before serving.
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