Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Print Version)

Quick crunchy cucumbers with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes. A refreshing Asian-inspired side dish ready in 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 Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less time than waiting for takeout and tastes better than anything from a restaurant.
  • The shaking method releases cucumber juices that blend with the dressing into something unexpectedly complex.
  • You can make it as spicy or mild as your mood demands, and it keeps getting better in the fridge.
02 -
  • If your cucumbers are watery or bitter, slice them and toss with a pinch of salt, let them sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess liquid before adding to the jar.
  • The longer they sit, the softer they get, so if you love maximum crunch, eat them within a few hours of shaking.
  • Always taste your dressing before pouring it over the cucumbers, because soy sauce saltiness varies wildly by brand.
03 -
  • Use a glass jar instead of plastic so you can see the cucumbers getting coated, and it won't absorb the garlic smell.
  • If you want them even more garlicky, let the minced garlic sit in the soy sauce for a few minutes before mixing the rest of the dressing.
  • Add a splash of lime juice or a drizzle of honey right before serving to adjust brightness or sweetness without making a whole new batch.
Go Back