Instant Pickled Cucumbers: Ready in One Day!
#QuickPickles #CucumberPickles #EasySideDish
Craving a crunchy pickle but short on time? This recipe transforms fresh cucumbers into delightfully crisp pickles in just 24 hours. Perfect for a quick and refreshing side dish!
Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers (medium-sized)
- 1 cup Vinegar
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 cup Soy Sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly under running water and pat them dry completely. Slice the cucumbers into half-moon shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as this can result in a mushy texture. Aim for a satisfying crunch! Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the flavorful pickling brine. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of mirin, and 1 cup of soy sauce. Stir well to mix. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This simmering process helps to deepen the flavors.
Step 3
Pour the warm pickling brine over the prepared cucumber slices in the bowl. Ensure all the cucumber pieces are submerged in the liquid. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, or use a plate to press down on the cucumbers, ensuring they stay submerged. This pressing action helps the cucumbers absorb the brine evenly and prevents them from floating. Let the cucumbers sit at room temperature to pickle for one full day (24 hours).
Step 4
After 24 hours, the cucumbers should be partially pickled. Carefully remove the cucumber pieces from the brine and set them aside. Pour the brine back into the saucepan. Bring the brine to a boil again, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Then, allow the brine to cool down completely. Re-boiling and cooling the brine helps to extend the shelf life of the pickles and further develops their taste. Once the brine is completely cool, pour it back over the cucumbers in their container.
Step 5
To store your delicious pickles and keep them fresh for longer, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They should be ready to enjoy after about 2-3 days of refrigeration, allowing the flavors to meld. Properly stored in the refrigerator, these pickles can last for over 2 weeks.
Step 6
These instant pickled cucumbers are fantastic served as is, but you can also enhance them with a few extra touches. Sprinkle with finely chopped chili peppers or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can lightly stir-fry them for a different side dish experience. Their crisp texture and sweet-and-sour taste make them an excellent addition to any meal!
