Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Print Version)

Quick, crunchy cucumber salad with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes. 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 Steps:

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 comes together in 10 minutes flat, no cooking required, just pure crisp refreshment.
  • The jar method means you can make it ahead and shake it one more time right before serving—showstopping ease.
  • Garlic and sesame oil create this umami punch that makes people think you spent way more time than you did.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time—those 5 to 10 minutes make the difference between good and unforgettable, as the flavors actually develop rather than just sitting on the surface.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the dressing and cucumbers separate until you're ready to serve, then shake everything together fresh; otherwise, the cucumbers weep and lose their snap.
03 -
  • Make the dressing the night before and store it in a small jar—this actually allows the flavors to develop, so when you shake it with fresh cucumbers, they taste even better.
  • If you accidentally over-salt or make it too spicy, add more cucumber slices to dilute it, or serve smaller portions alongside something creamy like rice or noodles.
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