Step into a world of crunchy, tangy delight with this easy pickled cucumber recipe! Perfectly crisp cucumbers meet a balanced medley of sweet and savory flavors, enhanced by a touch of heat from Togarashi. This quick pickle is a versatile addition to any meal, whether you’re topping a sandwich, serving alongside grilled meats, or just munching them straight from the jar!
Budget Information
The total cost of making this vibrant pickle recipe is around $10.50, which breaks down to about $1.75 per serving (assuming you yield about 6 servings). Here’s how the costs add up:
- 3 English Cucumbers: $3.00
- 1 Shallot: $0.50
- 1 tbsp Sugar: $0.10
- 1 tsp Togarashi: $0.30
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: $0.20
- Salt, to taste: $0.05
- Vinegar (optional): $1.00
- Other spices (for experimenting): $1.00
- Water: negligible cost
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because of its beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The key is allowing the cucumbers to sweat out their moisture, making every bite an explosion of tangy goodness. Adding the Togarashi not only boosts the flavor but also brings a unique twist that keeps the palate excited. Plus, who can resist the simplicity of pickling at home? It gives you complete control over the flavors and sweetness—perfect for customizing to your own taste!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Gather these ingredients for a tantalizing pickled cucumber experience:
- 3 English Cucumbers ($3.00) – Feel free to use Persian cucumbers if that’s what you have on hand!
- 1 Shallot ($0.50) – Yellow onion can be a suitable substitute if shallots aren’t available.
- 1 tbsp Sugar ($0.10) – If you prefer a sugar-free alternative, feel free to use honey or agave syrup.
- 1 tsp Togarashi ($0.30) – You can swap this with chili flakes if Togarashi is tricky to find, but it won’t have the same complex flavor.
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil ($0.20) – Optional, but it adds a lovely nutty flavor. You could also use olive oil or completely skip it.
- Salt, to taste ($0.05) – Use sea salt or kosher salt; both will work beautifully.
- Vinegar (rice or white, optional) ($1.00) – For vinegary pickles, incorporate rice vinegar or your favorite vinegar; it will perfectly complement the cukes!
- Water (negligible cost)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Next, using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice them super-thin. The thinner, the better! This helps the cucumbers absorb the briny mixture and become extra flavorful. As you slice, place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkling some salt over them as you go. This will help draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crunchier final product.
Step 2: Allow the sliced cucumbers to sit for about 30 minutes to an hour in the colander. You might notice some liquid pooling below—that’s good! After the time is up, give the cucumbers a gentle squeeze to wring out any additional moisture, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial for the texture and flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, mix together your shallot, sugar, Togarashi, and sesame oil. Stir until combined. If you’re opting for vinegar, add a splash at this stage—it’ll really elevate your pickles! Taste the mixture; adjust as needed. To balance the sweetness, feel free to add more Togarashi or a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Pour the shallot mixture over the cucumber slices in your mixing bowl, and give everything a good toss to ensure the cucumbers are coated evenly. The scent should be incredible at this point! If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the time to add any additional veggies like carrots or radishes that you want to pickle alongside the cucumbers; they’ll infuse with amazing flavor too.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. If you have the patience to let them marinate longer, overnight is perfect! The longer they sit, the more robust the flavor becomes—and trust me, your taste buds will thank you for the wait.
Step 6: When ready, enjoy these tangy, spicy delights right out of the bowl, or as an accompaniment to your favorite meals! They’re great alongside grilled meats, tofu, or even tossed in a salad. And don’t forget to save that delicious pickling liquid; I’ve heard it does wonders for other veggies!
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (approx. 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Total Fats: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store your delightful pickled cucumbers, transfer the mixture into an airtight container or a jar and keep it in the fridge. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for about 2 weeks, perfect for meal prep! No reheating needed for these beauties; they’re best enjoyed straight from the fridge, chilled to perfection.
Serving Suggestions
These pickled cucumbers are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a refreshing side with grilled meats like chicken or pork, throw them on tacos for a zesty crunch, or simply garnish your sandwiches. They can also jazz up your salads or be enjoyed on their own as a light, tangy snack perfect for warm days!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs to customize these pickles to your liking! Dill, mustard seeds, or even garlic can add lovely new flavors. And don’t forget to keep that pickling liquid; it’s a treasure trove of flavors waiting to marinate any other veggies in your fridge!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers? Absolutely! Regular cucumbers just might have a bit more seeds, but they will still taste great!
How long do pickles last in the fridge? Properly stored, these pickled cucumbers should keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Just make sure they stay submerged in the liquid for the best results!
Can I make these without sugar? Yes, you can definitely skip the sugar or substitute it with a sweetener of your choice. Just remember to adjust the other flavors accordingly!
What’s Togarashi? Togarashi is a Japanese spice mix, often including chili pepper, sesame seeds, and other flavor enhancers. It’s a delicious way to bring some heat to your pickles!
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Yes! Feel free to add radishes, carrots, or even small bell peppers to the mix. Just ensure they’re sliced thinly so they pickle well.
