Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Printable Version)

Bold garlic and sesame cucumbers that come together in minutes with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors and satisfying crunch.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

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 completely.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers in the jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds to coat evenly.
04 - Let stand for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
05 - Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately. For extra chill, refrigerate before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between cool, crunchy cucumbers and bold, aromatic garlic creates a flavor explosion that happens in just minutes, not hours.
  • Every bite delivers that perfect balance of salty, tangy, and nutty notes that somehow makes you feel like youre enjoying restaurant-quality food while standing barefoot in your kitchen.
02 -
  • If you let these sit too long (more than 30 minutes), they lose that magical crisp texture that makes them special, so time your prep accordingly.
  • The intensity of garlic can vary wildly, so start with less if youre sensitive and always taste before serving, as the flavor develops over time.
03 -
  • Lightly salting and draining your cucumber slices for 10 minutes before combining with the dressing draws out excess moisture and intensifies their crunch factor dramatically.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before sprinkling them on top, releasing their natural oils and nutty aroma.
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