Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers

# Ingredients:

→ 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

# Instructions:

01 - Place the sliced cucumbers and minced garlic into a large sealable jar or container.

02 - Whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili flakes, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.

03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers in the jar.

04 - Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds until cucumbers are evenly coated.

05 - Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature to develop flavor.

06 - Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled option.

# Pro Tips:

01 -

It actually tastes better the longer it sits, so you can make it hours ahead and it gets even more delicious.
The shake method is oddly satisfying and gets every single piece of cucumber coated in that garlicky, sesame-forward dressing.
It costs almost nothing to make and feels fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

02 -

Don't skip toasting your own sesame seeds if you can help it; store-bought toasted seeds often taste stale, but fresh ones add a nutty warmth that changes everything.
The dressing will keep the cucumbers from getting mushy if you make it ahead, but add the green onions only when you're ready to serve so they stay bright and sharp.
If your soy sauce is particularly salty, reduce the measured amount slightly; every brand is different and you want to taste all the flavors, not just salt.

03 -