Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers

# What You 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)

# 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 takes ten minutes and requires zero cooking, which means you can make it on even your most chaotic weeknights.
The shaking method ensures every single cucumber piece gets coated in flavor, unlike anything you could achieve with a fork or spoon.
It's refreshingly light and bold at the same time, the kind of dish that makes you feel like you're eating something exciting and intentional.

02 -

Don't slice your cucumbers too thick or they'll taste watery and soft instead of crisp and alive—quarter-inch is the sweet spot I discovered after one failed attempt with thicker slices.
Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for thirty seconds right before serving if you can, because that extra warmth releases the nuttiness and changes everything about the final bite.

03 -