Name: Cucumber Shaker with Rice Vinegar and Sesame Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 medium cucumbers, chilled; 2 spring onions, finely sliced; 1 small garlic clove, finely minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon MSG (monosodium glutamate); 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (gluten-free if needed); 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (plus more for garnish); 1 to 2 teaspoons chili crisp or chili oil (optional)

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Introduction

This refreshing cucumber salad combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy rice vinegar dressing and a hint of umami from toasted sesame oil and MSG. It’s quick to prepare and perfect as a light side dish or snack, with optional chili oil for a spicy kick.

A white plate filled with many uneven slices of bright green cucumber, each piece showing a glossy, fresh texture. The cucumber slices are mixed with small bits of light brown sesame seeds scattered all over. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft light falling on the cucumbers, highlighting their freshness and the crunchy sesame texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium cucumbers, chilled
2 spring onions, finely sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon MSG (monosodium glutamate)
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
1 to 2 teaspoons chili crisp or chili oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and dry the cucumbers. Trim the ends and halve each cucumber lengthwise. Gently smash each half with the flat side of a chef’s knife or a rolling pin until they crack. Slice into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the sea salt and sugar to the cucumbers. Toss thoroughly and let them rest for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Step 3: Pour off any liquid released from the cucumbers after resting.
Step 4: Add rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, soy sauce, minced garlic, white pepper (if using), and toasted sesame seeds to the cucumbers. Toss well to ensure even coating.
Step 5: If desired, stir in chili crisp or chili oil to taste for added heat and depth of flavor.
Step 6: Gently fold in the finely sliced spring onions until fully combined.
Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10 minutes to enhance the crunch.
Step 8: Just before serving, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds over the salad as a garnish.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, use English cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers, which have fewer seeds and thinner skins.
If avoiding MSG, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of soy sauce for umami flavor.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Adjust chili amount to your heat preference or omit altogether for a mild salad.

Storage

Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within the first day. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate filled with sliced cucumbers, cut into thick, uneven rounds, layered unevenly across the plate. The cucumbers are dark green with a shiny surface, dressed with a light brown sauce that coats the pieces, giving them a glossy look. Scattered on top are small white sesame seeds, adding texture and contrast. Thin, bright green scallion slices are mixed throughout the cucumbers, adding a fresh, crisp look. The background is a white marbled texture, making the green colors of the dish stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use seasoned rice vinegar instead of unseasoned?

It’s best to use unseasoned rice vinegar here to control the salt and sweetness levels carefully. If using seasoned vinegar, reduce or omit added sugar and soy sauce accordingly.

Is MSG necessary in this recipe?

MSG adds a savory depth but is optional. You can omit it or replace it with an extra splash of soy sauce or a pinch of mushroom powder for umami enhancement.