Save My roommate in college introduced me to this technique during finals week when we needed something fast to cut through the stress of studying. She would literally shake the jar like a cocktail shaker while dancing around our tiny kitchen and honestly the energy somehow made them taste better. I have been hooked ever since.
Last summer I made these for a backyard barbecue and my friend who claims to hate cucumbers went back for thirds. She stood by the jar crunching away between burgers and kept asking what the secret ingredient was because the garlic hits different when you shake it like that.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers: Persian or English cucumbers work best because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds plus they stay crunchier longer after soaking in the dressing
- 2 cloves garlic: Freshly minced garlic releases more oils and flavor than pre-minced stuff from a jar so take the extra minute to do it right
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This provides the salty umami base that ties everything together so use a good quality brand you actually enjoy tasting on its own
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: The toasted version matters here because raw sesame oil lacks that deep nutty aroma that makes this dish sing
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds just enough brightness to cut through the rich sesame oil without overpowering the other flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: Start here and adjust up or down depending on your heat tolerance and who you are serving
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the saltiness and helps mellow out the sharp raw garlic bite slightly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and helps draw a little moisture out of the cucumbers for better texture
- Sesame seeds and green onions: These are optional garnishes but they add such nice visual appeal and extra crunch that I almost always include them
Instructions
- Prep your cucumbers and garlic:
- Slice the cucumbers into even rounds about a quarter inch thick so they all absorb the dressing at the same rate. Mince the garlic finely because nobody wants to bite into a huge chunk of raw garlic.
- Whisk the dressing together:
- Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili flakes, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar completely dissolves so you do not end up with gritty patches in the final dish.
- Combine and shake:
- Put the cucumbers and garlic in your jar then pour the dressing over them. Seal it tight and shake vigorously for at least thirty seconds like you are mixing a cocktail.
- Let them rest briefly:
- Let the jar sit for five to ten minutes so the flavors can start melding together. This short wait makes a huge difference in how well the garlic permeates the cucumbers.
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer everything to a serving bowl and top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you are using them. Serve right away while they still have that perfect crunch.
Save My mom now keeps a jar of these in her fridge during summer and says they have saved her from last minute side dish panic more times than she can count. She texts me every time someone asks for the recipe at potlucks.
Making It Your Own
I have played around with adding fresh lime juice when the cucumbers are not as sweet and it creates this whole different bright flavor profile. Sometimes I drizzle in a little honey instead of sugar when I want more complexity.
Perfect Pairings
These cucumbers cut through rich grilled meats beautifully and have become my go to side for summer barbecues. They also work amazing alongside spicy Korean dishes or simple rice bowls when you need something cool and refreshing.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can slice the cucumbers and mix the dressing separately hours ahead but only combine them right before serving. The longer they sit the more water releases and nobody loves a sad cucumber salad.
- Keep everything refrigerated until the last possible moment for maximum crunch
- Wait to add garnishes until you are actually ready to serve so they stay fresh
- If you need to prep further ahead consider using thicker cucumber slices that will hold up better
Save There is something so satisfying about shaking up food in a jar and having it turn into something this delicious. Happy shaking everyone.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I shake the jar?
Shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds. This motion ensures the dressing coats every cucumber slice evenly and helps the flavors begin to infuse.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare this up to 4 hours in advance. Refrigerate until serving, though the cucumbers will release some water and become slightly softer over time.
- → What cucumber variety works best?
Persian or mini cucumbers stay crunchiest. English cucumbers work well too—just remove large seeds if present. Regular garden cucumbers are fine but may have thicker skin.
- → Is this dish spicy?
The chili flakes add mild heat. Adjust the amount to your taste or omit entirely for a no-heat version that still delivers plenty of savory flavor.
- → Can I use a different oil?
Toasted sesame oil provides distinct nutty flavor. You could substitute with a neutral oil like grapeseed, though you'll lose the characteristic sesame taste.