Crunchy Cucumber Doenjang Pickles
Quick & Refreshing Cucumber Pickles with Doenjang and Lemon Vinegar
This is a fantastic side dish that’s wonderfully crisp and refreshing, perfect to accompany any meal. The savory depth of doenjang combined with a zesty lemon vinegar brine makes it a delightful addition to your table.
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 1/2 red onion
- 3-4 cloves garlic
Seasoning Mix- 2 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 5 Tbsp lemon vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 250ml water
- 2 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 5 Tbsp lemon vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 250ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the cucumbers under running water. Use a spoon to gently scoop out and remove the seedy core from the center. Slice the cucumbers into rounds about 0.5cm thick. Chop the red onion into bite-sized pieces similar to the cucumber slices, and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle a little coarse sea salt over them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to lightly pickle. Avoid over-salting, as too much moisture removal can reduce the crispness. After lightly pickling, rinse the cucumbers briefly under cold water and gently pat them dry. This brief salting step helps to make the cucumbers extra crunchy and allows them to absorb the marinade better.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the refreshing, sweet, and savory seasoning mix. In a small saucepan, combine 250ml of water, 2 tablespoons of doenjang, 5 tablespoons of lemon vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a saltier or spicier flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of doenjang to your preference. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved while simmering. It’s important to use this seasoning mix while it’s still hot to help the flavors penetrate the cucumbers effectively.
Step 3
Prepare a wide, shallow glass container with a lid (like a Lock & Lock or similar). Add the drained cucumbers, chopped red onion, and sliced garlic to the container. Carefully pour the hot, freshly made seasoning mixture over the vegetables, ensuring the cucumbers are mostly submerged. Gently toss everything with chopsticks or a spatula to distribute the seasoning evenly. Once the seasoning mixture has cooled down completely, secure the lid on the container and refrigerate. For the best flavor, allow the pickles to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one full day. The flavors will meld and deepen significantly overnight, making them much more delicious than if eaten immediately. Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful cucumber doenjang pickles!
