Cucumber Shaker Rice Vinegar (Printable Version)

Crisp cucumber tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and umami-rich seasonings for a bright, flavorful side.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Seasonings & Umami

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice off ends, halve lengthwise, then gently smash each half using the flat side of a chef’s knife or rolling pin until cracked. Cut into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
02 - Add sea salt and sugar to cucumbers. Toss thoroughly and let rest for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
03 - Carefully drain any liquid released from cucumbers.
04 - Add rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, MSG, soy sauce, garlic, white pepper (if using), and sesame seeds. Toss to evenly coat.
05 - Incorporate chili crisp or chili oil according to preference.
06 - Fold in the sliced spring onions gently.
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.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes ten minutes and tastes like you spent an hour marinating something fancy.
  • Smashing cucumbers is oddly therapeutic and makes them soak up all that umami like a sponge.
  • MSG isn't scary, it's magic, and this recipe proves it.
  • You can eat it straight from the bowl with chopsticks and feel no shame.
02 -
  • If you skip the smashing step, the cucumbers won't absorb the dressing properly and you'll end up with sad, slippery slices.
  • Don't let the cucumbers sit in the salt cure for more than ten minutes or they'll turn limp and watery.
  • MSG is safe and naturally occurring in tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. Use it without fear.
03 -
  • Use a container with a tight lid and shake the dressed cucumbers like a cocktail shaker for even coating.
  • Make a double batch because this disappears faster than you think, and it doesn't keep well past a day.
  • If you can't find MSG at the store, it's sold as Accent seasoning or online in bulk, and it lasts forever.
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