Crispy Homemade Cucumber Pickles
Easy Recipe for Delicious Homemade Cucumber Pickles
Here’s a simple recipe for making crunchy, homemade cucumber pickles that last a long time! These sweet and tangy pickles are perfect not only with Western dishes but also as a refreshing side for Korean meals like ramen or noodles. They make an excellent pantry staple. Try making them for special occasions or to elevate your everyday meals!
Main Ingredients- 5 fresh cucumbers
- 1 medium onion
- 3 Korean chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
Pickle Brine & Spices- 450cc water (approx. 2 cups)
- 300cc granulated sugar (approx. 1.5 cups)
- 300cc vinegar (such as distilled white or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt or sea salt
- 1 Tbsp pickling spice
- 3 dried bay leaves
- 450cc water (approx. 2 cups)
- 300cc granulated sugar (approx. 1.5 cups)
- 300cc vinegar (such as distilled white or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt or sea salt
- 1 Tbsp pickling spice
- 3 dried bay leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh cucumbers, onion, and Korean chili peppers for your pickles. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Also, wash the onion and chili peppers carefully. This step ensures any dirt or pesticide residue is effectively removed.
Step 2
Measure and prepare the pickle brine ingredients. The right ratio of water, sugar, vinegar, and salt is crucial for delicious pickles. Precision is key here!
Step 3
We will now cut the washed cucumbers, onion, and chili peppers into bite-sized pieces in the next step. It’s important to maintain the freshness of the vegetables during this process.
Step 4
Slice the cucumbers into rounds about 0.5cm to 1cm thick, or into half-moon shapes. Cut the onion into larger pieces for a pleasant texture, and you can either halve the chili peppers and remove the seeds or leave them whole, depending on your spice preference. Cutting them this way allows the brine to penetrate better, enhancing the flavor.
Step 5
Thoroughly sterilize your glass jar or container by immersing it in boiling water. Ensure it is completely dry afterward; any remaining moisture can cause the pickles to spoil quickly. You can use a drying rack or pat it dry completely. Don’t forget to sterilize the lid too!
Step 6
Arrange the sliced cucumbers, onion, and chili peppers into the sterilized and dried container. Avoid packing them too tightly; leaving a little space will help the brine distribute evenly.
Step 7
Now it’s time to make the flavorful pickle brine. Combine the measured water, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Bring it to a boil.
Step 8
Once the sugar and salt are dissolved and the mixture begins to boil, add the pickling spice for added flavor complexity. Pickling spice blends various herbs and spices to give your pickles a rich taste. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Step 9
Finally, add the dried bay leaves for a fragrant aroma. Bay leaves impart a subtle, pleasant scent that elevates the overall flavor profile of the pickles.
Step 10
As soon as the brine comes to a rolling boil, remove it from the heat. Immediately pour the hot brine over the vegetables in the container. Pouring the hot brine helps to slightly cook the vegetables, preserving their crisp texture. Ensure the vegetables are fully submerged in the brine.
Step 11
Once the pickles have cooled completely to room temperature, seal the container with the lid and refrigerate. Letting them chill for at least a day will allow the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in delicious pickles. They get even better with time!
Step 12
Enjoy your perfectly crunchy and refreshing homemade cucumber pickles! They are a fantastic accompaniment to burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, and other Western dishes, as well as rich Asian cuisine, bibimbap, noodles, and ramen. The bright tanginess cuts through richness and enhances the taste of any meal. Enjoy!
