Description
Crunchy cucumbers quickly pickled in a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory brine. This simple and refreshing side dish is ready in minutes and perfect to complement Asian-inspired meals or to enjoy as a light snack.
Ingredients
Pickling Brine
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, sliced
- Optional: chili flakes or fresh chili to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved to create a balanced sweet and tangy brining liquid.
- Add Cucumbers and Garlic: Place the sliced cucumbers and sliced garlic into the bowl with the brine. If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or fresh chili according to your preference.
- Pickle and Marinate: Toss all ingredients well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the brine. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soften slightly but remain crunchy.
- Serve: Once pickled, serve the cucumbers chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish. For enhanced flavor, you can add a splash of sesame oil before serving.
Notes
- Store the pickled cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- Adding a small amount of sesame oil before serving can add a delightful nutty aroma and complex flavor.
- You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the sugar or salt to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
