Cucumber Shaker with Rice Vinegar (Print Version)

Crisp cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and savory seasonings create a bright, tangy side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium cucumbers, chilled
02 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced

→ Seasonings & Umami

03 - 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 - 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
07 - 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG)
08 - ½ teaspoon soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
09 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
10 - ¼ teaspoon white pepper, optional
11 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
12 - 1 to 2 teaspoons chili crisp or chili oil, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice off ends, then halve lengthwise. Using the flat side of a chef's knife or rolling pin, gently smash the halves until cracked. Cut into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
02 - Add salt and sugar to cucumbers. Toss thoroughly and allow to rest for 5 minutes to release excess moisture.
03 - Discard any liquid expelled from cucumbers.
04 - Add rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, soy sauce, minced garlic, white pepper if using, and toasted sesame seeds. Toss until ingredients are uniformly coated.
05 - Incorporate chili crisp or chili oil to taste for spiciness and depth.
06 - Gently fold in the finely sliced spring onions.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes to enhance crunch.
08 - Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds over before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in 10 minutes but tastes like you've been in the kitchen all day.
  • The umami hit is addictive—MSG isn't scary, it's the secret weapon that makes people ask for the recipe.
  • Crisp, refreshing, and the kind of side that actually gets finished before the main course.
02 -
  • Unseasoned rice vinegar is non-negotiable; seasoned vinegar will ruin the balance and make the salad weepy after 20 minutes.
  • MSG isn't a shortcut or a cheat—it's a legitimate ingredient with a real flavor profile that enhances everything else.
  • Don't drain off that cucumber liquid if you like it extra juicy, but do if you prefer it crisp and firm.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds right before using them—the difference between fresh-toasted and already-toasted is worth those 30 seconds.
  • If you're nervous about MSG, start with half a teaspoon and taste; you'll understand why people get excited about it once you feel it working.
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