Accordion Cucumber Pickle Recipe
Accordion Cucumber Pickle Recipe
Make Accordion Cucumber Pickles That Cut Through Rich Flavors
Hello everyone, it’s Kang’s Mom! Today, I tried making accordion cucumber pickles that I stumbled upon on YouTube. I was initially thinking of making stuffed cucumbers, but decided to go with a pickle recipe that kids could enjoy and that would pair perfectly with the chicken they wanted for dinner. Its unique shape, resembling an ammonite, has earned it names like ‘accordion cucumber’ or ‘swirl cucumber.’ Let’s try making this delightful pickle!
Ingredients- 2 cucumbers (either white or green cucumbers are fine)
- 1 tsp salt (for salting cucumbers)
- 200ml water (for pickle brine base)
- 80ml vinegar (for acidity adjustment)
- 5 Tbsp sugar (for sweetness adjustment)
- 1/3 tsp salt (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Any type, white or green, will work. Trim off the ends of each cucumber. You can gently scrape off any rough parts on the surface with a peeler or knife. Next, place two long chopsticks parallel to the cucumber on both sides. This will prevent it from rolling and help you make even cuts.
Step 2
With the cucumber secured by the chopsticks, use a knife to make diagonal slits about halfway through the cucumber. Aim for slits about 0.5cm apart. Then, flip the cucumber over and make diagonal slits on the other side in the same manner. The depth and spacing of the slits can be adjusted to your preference.
Step 3
Once you’ve made the cuts, the cucumber will naturally expand like an accordion or curl into a spiral shape when gently pressed. Check to ensure the slits are evenly distributed.
Step 4
Place the cut cucumbers in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt for pickling over them. Add a small amount of water to help the salt distribute evenly. Gently shake the bowl or toss the cucumbers to ensure they are all salted. Let them salt for about 10 to 15 minutes. The last photo shows the cucumbers after they have been salted.
Step 5
Once the cucumbers are adequately salted, rinse them once with filtered water or cold water. Gently squeeze out excess water from the cucumbers by hand and place them back in a clean bowl. Pour in 200ml of water and 80ml of vinegar, then mix well to create the pickle brine. You can let the cucumbers sit in this brine for a short while to begin absorbing the flavors.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to add sweetness and seasoning. Add 5 Tbsp of sugar and 1/3 tsp of salt, stirring until they are fully dissolved. It’s important to stir occasionally with a spoon to help the sugar and salt melt completely. Alternatively, you can make the brine by boiling water, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small pot, then pouring it over the cucumbers. Once your accordion cucumber pickles are ready, refrigerate them for 1 to 2 hours to chill. This allows the sweet and sour flavors to fully penetrate the cucumbers, making them even more delicious. Enjoy them as a side dish with chicken or other rich foods!
