Marinated Cucumbers

taiwan cucumber garlic sesame oil umami cilantro shallot healthyish

Josh Ku

4 servings

Source

Ingredients

1½ pounds medium cucumbers (about 3)

2 garlic cloves, finely grated

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil

½ teaspoon Aji-No-Moto umami seasoning (MSG; optional)

Cilantro leaves with tender stems and store-bought fried shallots (for serving)

Method

Peel cucumbers and slice crosswise into 2½"-thick pieces. Cut pieces lengthwise into quarters. Remove seeds; discard.

Place cucumbers in a sieve and toss with garlic, salt, oil, and seasoning (if using). Set sieve over a bowl and chill, tossing occasionally, at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Taste cucumbers before serving. They might need a bit more salt or sesame oil to bring them back to life.

Transfer cucumbers to a plate and top with cilantro and fried shallots.