Tangy Homemade Pickled Cucumber Recipe for Summer Crunch

Crisp, tangy pickled cucumbers can transform any bland sandwich into a flavor explosion.

Cucumber preservation techniques have roots in ancient civilizations seeking food longevity.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these briny delights through careful technique and patience.

Salt, vinegar, and spices work magic on fresh vegetables.

Jars gleam with potential as you slice cucumbers into perfect rounds.

Homemade pickles bring a personal touch that store-bought versions never capture.

You’ll want to bookmark this simple method and start pickling immediately.

Why Pickled Cucumber Is A Crisp Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Personalize pickles by adjusting spice levels, experimenting with different herbs, and creating unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences.
• Master a Classic Technique: Learn the art of pickling, a simple yet sophisticated preservation method that transforms ordinary cucumbers into a gourmet condiment with minimal kitchen skills.
• Perfect for Multiple Occasions: Enjoy these versatile pickles as a zesty side dish, sandwich topper, charcuterie board accent, or standalone snack that elevates any meal or gathering.
• Nutrient-Packed Homemade Treat: Craft a probiotic-rich, low-calorie condiment that adds tangy flavor to your diet while providing health benefits and avoiding processed store-bought alternatives.

What’s Needed For Pickled Cucumber

• Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp cucumbers form the core of this tangy pickle recipe.
• Water: Essential liquid base for creating the pickling brine.
• White Vinegar: Provides the signature tangy and acidic flavor of pickles.

• Salt, Sugar: Balance the flavor and help preserve the cucumbers.
• Garlic Cloves: Add a robust, pungent depth to the pickle's flavor profile.
• Black Peppercorns, Dill Seeds, Red Pepper Flakes: Contribute complex, spicy, and aromatic notes to the pickles.

• Fresh Dill Sprigs, Bay Leaf: Infuse the pickles with herbal and slightly earthy undertones.

How To Make Pickled Cucumber At Home

Step 1: Prep Crisp Cucumbers

Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into uniform thin rounds or spears. Make sure each slice has consistent thickness to ensure perfect pickling results.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Brine

• Water
• White vinegar
• Salt
• Sugar

Heat the mixture, stirring until all ingredients completely dissolve.

Step 3: Boost Pickle Complexity

• Crushed garlic cloves
• Black peppercorns
• Dill seeds
• Bay leaf
• Red pepper flakes

These elements will transform your pickles from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 4: Cool Down the Brine

Let the pickling liquid cool to room temperature. This crucial step helps maintain the cucumbers’ satisfying crunch and prevents them from becoming mushy.

Step 5: Layer Pickle Jars

• Sliced cucumbers
• Fresh dill sprigs

Alternate these ingredients for maximum flavor distribution.

Step 6: Pour and Submerge

Gently pour the cooled pickling liquid over the cucumbers. Ensure every slice is completely covered by the flavorful brine.

Step 7: Seal and Chill

Tightly seal the jars and place them in the refrigerator. Let the magic happen for at least 24 hours.

Step 8: Develop Ultimate Flavor

Allow pickles to rest for 48-72 hours. This waiting period intensifies the tangy taste and creates a more complex flavor profile.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Refrigerated pickles will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks. Use them as a zesty side, sandwich topper, or snack straight from the jar.

Tips To Get Perfect Pickled Cucumber

• Slice with Precision: Cut cucumbers uniformly to ensure even pickling and consistent flavor absorption throughout each piece.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, from mild to extra spicy for a personalized pickle experience.
• Maintain Crispness: Cool pickling liquid completely before pouring over cucumbers to preserve their satisfying crunch and prevent soggy texture.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, firm cucumbers and aromatic fresh dill for maximum flavor and highest quality homemade pickles.
• Seal and Store Properly: Use clean, sterilized glass jars and refrigerate immediately to prevent bacterial growth and extend pickle shelf life.

Fresh Spins On Pickled Cucumber

• Spicy Jalapeño Pickles: Replace red pepper flakes with finely chopped fresh jalapeños for an intense, fiery kick that adds heat to the traditional cucumber pickle.
• Herbal Garden Pickles: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil leaves alongside dill to create a complex, aromatic herb-infused pickle with multilayered flavor notes.
• Honey Mustard Pickles: Swap sugar with honey and add whole grain mustard to the brine, creating a sweet and tangy pickle with a robust, earthy undertone.
• Asian-Inspired Pickles: Use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar, add grated ginger, and include a splash of soy sauce for a unique, umami-rich pickle experience.

What To Serve With Pickled Cucumber

• Savor Charcuterie Board: Spread these tangy pickles alongside cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and creamy cheeses for a delightful flavor contrast that balances saltiness and acidity.
• Match Sandwich Sidekick: Elevate classic deli sandwiches, burgers, or grilled cheese with these crisp pickles, adding a zesty crunch that cuts through rich, hearty flavors.
• Complement Craft Beer: Pair these homemade pickles with hoppy IPAs or light wheat beers, where the pickle's tanginess harmonizes with the beer's refreshing notes and enhances overall taste experience.

How To Keep Pickled Cucumber Crunchy

• Transfer pickles to airtight containers with tight-sealing lids to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination from other foods.
• Keep pickles consistently chilled at 40°F or below in the coldest part of the refrigerator to preserve texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Use clean, sterilized glass jars with secure lids to prevent contamination and extend the pickle's shelf life up to 2 weeks.
• Ensure cucumbers remain fully submerged in pickling brine to maintain crispness and prevent potential spoilage during storage.

Pickled Cucumber Questions Made Easy

• Why use white vinegar in this pickle recipe?

White vinegar provides a clean, sharp acidity that helps preserve cucumbers and creates a classic pickle flavor without overpowering the natural cucumber taste.

• Can I adjust the spiciness level of the pickles?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to suit your preferred spice level.

• Is it necessary to use fresh dill in the recipe?

Fresh dill adds an authentic, herbaceous flavor that’s traditional in pickle-making. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried dill, though the flavor will be slightly less vibrant.

Pickled Cucumber Recipe

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• Total Time: 24 hours and 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crisp and tangy Polish pickled cucumbers dance with traditional flavor in this simple preservation technique. Salt, dill, and garlic create a classic European pickle that connects home cooks to generations of culinary heritage you can savor in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cucumbers:

• 4 medium cucumbers
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tsp dill seeds

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 sprigs fresh dill
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash cucumbers and slice them into uniform, thin rounds or spears, ensuring consistent thickness for even pickling.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, white vinegar, salt, and sugar, heating the mixture until salt and sugar completely dissolve.
3. Crush garlic cloves and add them to the pickling liquid along with black peppercorns, dill seeds, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Allow the pickling brine to cool to room temperature, which helps preserve the cucumbers’ crisp texture and prevents overcooking.
5. Place sliced cucumbers in clean, sterilized glass jars, layering them with fresh dill sprigs throughout the container.
6. Carefully pour the cooled pickling liquid over the cucumbers, ensuring they are completely submerged and covered by the brine.
7. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and cucumbers to develop their tangy, aromatic profile.
8. For optimal taste, let pickles rest in the refrigerator for 48-72 hours before consuming, which intensifies the pickling process and deepens the flavor profile.
9. Store refrigerated pickles can maintain their quality for up to 2 weeks, providing a delicious homemade condiment for various culinary applications.

Notes

• Slice cucumbers uniformly to ensure even pickling and consistent flavor absorption throughout each piece.
• Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or rice vinegar to create unique flavor variations and add depth to the pickle profile.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, making the pickles milder or more intense based on personal heat preference.
• Use fresh, crisp cucumbers from local farmers markets or garden for maximum crunchiness and optimal pickle texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 15
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg