Cucumber Shaker with Rice (Printable Version)

A crisp, tangy cucumber salad featuring rice vinegar and savory notes for a refreshing side.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Seasonings & Umami

03 - 1 1/2 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 - 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
09 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
10 - 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
11 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
12 - 1–2 teaspoons chili crisp or chili oil (optional, to taste)

# How-to Steps:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers. Trim ends, halve lengthwise, then gently smash using the flat side of a chef’s knife or rolling pin until cracked. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
02 - Add salt and sugar to the cucumbers, toss thoroughly, then let rest for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
03 - Pour off any liquid released from the cucumbers.
04 - Incorporate rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, soy sauce, minced garlic, white pepper if using, and toasted sesame seeds. Toss until evenly coated.
05 - Add chili crisp or chili oil to taste for additional heat and umami.
06 - Fold in the sliced spring onions gently to combine.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for extra crunch.
08 - Sprinkle with additional toasted sesame seeds before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes less time than waiting for takeout and tastes just as exciting
  • The smashing step is weirdly therapeutic and makes the cucumbers soak up flavor like magic
  • MSG gives it that deep savory hit you cant get any other way
  • Cold crunchy and spicy all at once, it wakes up your whole mouth
02 -
  • Dont skip draining the cucumbers or the dressing will turn into a salty puddle
  • Smashing them instead of slicing makes all the difference, the craggy surface holds onto the sesame oil and garlic
  • MSG is not scary, its just concentrated umami and it makes this recipe sing
03 -
  • Chill your cucumbers overnight for maximum crunch and cold contrast
  • Use a jar with a lid and shake everything together instead of stirring, it coats more evenly and feels fun
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for thirty seconds, the flavor is ten times stronger than store bought
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