Pickled cucumbers are a delightful way to preserve the crispness and freshness of cucumbers while infusing them with a tangy, flavorful brine. This simple recipe transforms ordinary cucumbers into a zesty snack or a vibrant addition to salads and sandwiches. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a jar of homemade pickles that will tantalize your taste buds and add a burst of flavor to any dish.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, mustard seeds and dill seeds might not be as readily available in every household. These seeds are essential for adding a distinctive flavor to the pickles. When visiting the supermarket, look for them in the spice aisle, often near other whole spices. If you can't find them, consider checking a specialty store or ordering online.

Ingredients For Pickled Cucumbers Recipe
Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp, cucumbers are the main ingredient, providing the base for the pickles.
White vinegar: This provides the acidic component necessary for pickling, giving the cucumbers their tangy flavor.
Water: Used to dilute the vinegar, balancing the acidity in the brine.
Salt: Essential for flavor and preservation, salt helps to draw out moisture from the cucumbers.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Mustard seeds: These seeds add a subtle, spicy note to the pickles, enhancing their flavor profile.
Dill seeds: Impart a classic dill flavor, making the pickles aromatic and flavorful.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing pickled cucumbers, ensure that the cucumbers are sliced evenly to allow for consistent pickling. Use a mandoline slicer for precision. Additionally, when combining the vinegar mixture, make sure the salt and sugar are fully dissolved before pouring over the cucumbers. This ensures a balanced flavor throughout the pickling process.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can absorb the pickling flavors well, making it a suitable alternative.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste, which can add a different dimension to the pickles.
water - Substitute with green tea: Using green tea can add a subtle earthy flavor to the pickles, enhancing their complexity.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a more nuanced flavor profile due to its mineral content.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a floral sweetness and a richer flavor compared to regular sugar.
mustard seeds - Substitute with coriander seeds: Coriander seeds provide a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor, which can complement the pickling spices well.
dill seeds - Substitute with fennel seeds: Fennel seeds offer a mild anise-like flavor, which can add a unique twist to the pickles.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Ensure your pickled cucumbers are completely cooled before considering storage. This helps maintain their crispness and flavor.
For short-term storage, place the sealed jar in the refrigerator. The pickled cucumbers can be enjoyed for up to 2 months, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
If you wish to extend the life of your pickled cucumbers, consider freezing them. However, be aware that freezing may alter their texture, making them less crisp.
To freeze, transfer the pickled cucumbers to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date of freezing. This ensures you keep track of their freshness and enjoy them at their best.
When ready to use, thaw the pickled cucumbers in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain as much of their original texture as possible.
Once thawed, consume the pickled cucumbers within a week for optimal taste and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently warm the pickled cucumbers in a saucepan over low heat. This method helps to maintain their crispness while slightly enhancing the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Use a steamer basket to reheat the pickled cucumbers. Place them in the basket over simmering water for a few minutes. This method keeps them from becoming too soft while warming them through.
If you prefer a quicker method, microwave the pickled cucumbers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent drying out. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
For a unique twist, toss the pickled cucumbers in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil. Sauté them briefly to add a touch of warmth and a hint of caramelization, enhancing their tangy flavor.
Consider using a sous-vide technique for precise temperature control. Seal the pickled cucumbers in a vacuum bag and immerse them in a water bath set to a gentle temperature. This method ensures even heating without compromising texture.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Pot: Used to combine and heat the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar mixture until it boils.
Jar: Serves as the container for the cucumbers, mustard seeds, and dill seeds, and holds the pickling liquid.
Knife: Essential for slicing the cucumbers into even pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the cucumbers.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the vinegar and water.
Measuring spoons: Helps in measuring the salt, sugar, mustard seeds, and dill seeds precisely.
Stove: Provides the heat source for bringing the vinegar mixture to a boil.
Ladle: Useful for pouring the hot vinegar mixture over the cucumbers in the jar.
Tongs: Handy for handling the jar when sealing it, especially if the jar is hot.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers in advance and store them in the fridge to save time when you're ready to pickle.
Batch preparation: Double or triple the recipe to make multiple jars at once, reducing the frequency of preparation.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer ensures even, quick slices of cucumbers, speeding up the process.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
Quick cool method: Place the sealed jar in a cold water bath to speed up cooling before refrigeration.
Pickled Cucumbers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup White vinegar
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dill seeds
Instructions
- 1. Combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil.
- 2. Place cucumbers, mustard seeds, and dill seeds in a jar.
- 3. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the cucumbers.
- 4. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
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