Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Printer-friendly)

Quick crunchy cucumber salad with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Vegan, dairy-free, and ready in 10 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 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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 10 minutes, no cooking required—perfect for when you're pressed for time but don't want to serve something boring.
  • The shake method actually coats every slice evenly, so you get that bold garlic-soy punch in every bite.
  • It tastes even better the next day as it sits in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks.
02 -
  • The shake method works because it creates friction and movement that regular stirring can't match—it's the difference between a good salad and one that tastes like it was lovingly prepared just for you.
  • If you let these sit in the fridge longer than a few hours, the cucumbers will soften and release more liquid, which actually dilutes your dressing, so eat them fresh or drink the brine like I do.
03 -
  • Don't skip the toasted sesame oil for regular sesame oil; the toasting brings a depth and complexity that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
  • If you're serving a crowd, double the recipe but keep the dressing proportions the same—the flavors concentrate beautifully and you won't end up with watery cucumbers.
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