Pickled Cucumber Recipe
Introduction
Pickled cucumbers are a refreshing and tangy addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This quick recipe lets you enjoy crisp, homemade pickles in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups white vinegar
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 large thinly sliced fresh cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 sprigs fresh dill (dill fronds only, stalks trimmed)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a 2 to 3-quart saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-high, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a quart canning jar, alternate layers of sliced cucumber, red onion, and fresh dill until the jar is full.
- Step 3: Slowly pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the layered vegetables. Let the pickled cucumbers marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, soak cucumbers in ice water for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Add garlic cloves or mustard seeds for a different flavor twist.
- Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a milder, fruity taste.
Storage
Store pickled cucumbers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors intensify over time, and they make a great topping for sandwiches or salads. Serve cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular vinegar instead of white vinegar?
White vinegar is preferred for its neutral flavor, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a different taste.
How long do homemade pickled cucumbers last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, they typically last up to 2 weeks while maintaining their flavor and crunch.
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Pickled Cucumber Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pickled Cucumber recipe offers a vibrant and tangy quick-pickle option perfect for adding a crisp, refreshing bite to sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone snack. Using simple pantry staples and fresh cucumbers and dill, this pickling method creates a balanced blend of sweet, salty, and mildly spicy flavors with a hint of herbal freshness.
Ingredients
Pickling Brine
- 1¼ cups white vinegar
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large thinly sliced fresh cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 sprigs fresh dill, trimmed to just the dill fronds
Instructions
- Make the Vinegar Mixture: Add the white vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, celery seed, and red pepper flakes to a 2 to 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Layer the Vegetables and Herbs: In a quart-sized canning jar, alternate layers of the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and fresh dill sprigs, creating an even distribution of each ingredient within the jar.
- Add the Brine and Marinate: When the vinegar mixture has cooled fully, carefully pour it over the cucumber and onion layers in the jar, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged. Close the jar and let the pickled cucumber salad marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For crisper pickles, use firm and fresh cucumbers with minimal moisture.
- If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Allow the pickles to marinate for longer (up to several hours or overnight) for a more intense flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within one week for optimum freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Pickles & Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pickled cucumber, quick pickles, cucumber salad, fresh dill pickles, easy pickles, vinegar pickles
