Crispy & Delicious Cucumber Pickles
Super Easy, Ultimate Crispiness! Anyone Can Succeed!
Cucumber prices have dropped, so why not make some wonderfully crisp and refreshing pickles with fresh cucumbers! Pickles made in spring are even more flavorful than those made in summer. Try this super simple pickle recipe that guarantees crispiness and success for everyone!
Ingredients
- 4-5 cucumbers (medium-sized)
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (using 200ml cup)
- 3 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 Tbsp pickling spice
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 3 cups water (using 200ml cup)
- 1 1/2 cups vinegar (using 200ml cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Sterilize a 1-liter glass jar by immersing it in boiling water. Since it takes time for the jar to dry completely, it’s best to sterilize it in advance with ample time. (Place the jar upside down in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then turn it right side up to drain.)
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the cucumbers under running water, scrubbing their surface with coarse sea salt to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, use the back of a knife (the dull side) to gently scrape off any blemishes or rough patches on the cucumber skin. Finally, slice the cucumbers into your desired size. (Round slices about 1 cm thick or diagonally cut slices both work well.)
Step 3
Peel and wash the onion thoroughly. Slice it to a size similar to, or slightly smaller than, the cucumber pieces.
Step 4
Approximately 4 medium cucumbers and 1 medium onion fit perfectly into a 1-liter glass jar. Adjust the quantity based on the size of your cucumbers.
Step 5
Carefully pack the prepared cucumbers and onions into the sterilized glass jar, arranging them neatly. Avoid overfilling; leave a little space.
Step 6
In a pot, combine 3 cups of water (200ml cup), 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 3 Tbsp of coarse sea salt, 1 Tbsp of pickling spice, and 1 tsp of whole black peppercorns. Bring to a boil. (Tip: Adding about 2 bay leaves will enhance the pickle’s flavor significantly. It’s not in the ingredient list, but highly recommended!)
Step 7
This recipe uses coarse sea salt for its good flavor and aroma, instead of regular salt. You can use any type of salt, but coarse sea salt adds a richer umami taste to the pickles.
Step 8
Pickling spice is easily found in most supermarkets, making the pickle-making process much more convenient. It’s a blend of various herbs and spices that enriches the pickle’s overall taste.
Step 9
While whole black peppercorns add a nice aroma, you can omit them if your pickling spice already contains pepper notes. Adjust according to your preference.
Step 10
Although not listed in the ingredients, adding about 2 bay leaves while boiling will infuse the pickles with a subtle yet deep aroma, greatly improving their taste. Be sure to try adding them!
Step 11
Once the pickle brine begins to boil, simmer it just until the sugar has completely dissolved. Turn off the heat, then add 1 1/2 cups of vinegar and stir well to combine all the ingredients. (Adding vinegar while the brine is hot is key to achieving delicious pickles.)
Step 12
Pour the hot, freshly made pickle brine directly and generously over the cucumbers and onions in the sterilized jar. Pouring the hot brine is the secret to keeping your cucumber pickles extra crisp.
Step 13
Filling the jar to the brim with the brine should result in the perfect amount. Allow the pickle jar to cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. While they are delicious the next day, letting them mature for 2-3 days will deepen and enrich the flavors, making them even more delightful to enjoy.
