Pickled Cucumber
Authentic Pickled Cucumber Recipe from the USA
Introduction
Pickled cucumbers are a popular and delicious side dish that adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to any meal. This recipe for pickled cucumbers is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
History
Pickling cucumbers has been a common practice for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations who used the process as a way to preserve vegetables for long periods of time. Pickled cucumbers are a staple in many cultures around the world and are enjoyed for their unique flavor and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) pickling cucumbers
- 1 tbsp salt
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 0.33 cup red rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ground Szechuan peppercorns
How to prepare
- Julienne the cucumbers. Place them in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow the cucumbers to sit for 15 minutes. Remove them from the colander and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange the cucumbers in a shallow glass baking dish.
- While the cucumbers are being desalted, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
- Lay the cucumbers out on a shallow glass baking dish. Pour the pickling mixture over them. Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight.
Variations
- Add sliced onions or garlic to the pickling mixture for added flavor.
- Use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, for a different taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to julienne the cucumbers evenly to ensure they pickle evenly.
- Allow the cucumbers to sit with salt to draw out excess moisture and improve the texture of the pickles.
- Refrigerate the pickled cucumbers overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pickled cucumbers as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos and burgers.
Cooking Techniques
Pickling
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular cucumbers if pickling cucumbers are not available.
- Substitute white sugar for granulated sugar.
Make Ahead Tips
These pickled cucumbers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Serve pickled cucumbers in a small dish or jar for a visually appealing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair pickled cucumbers with grilled chicken, rice dishes, or as a topping for sandwiches.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store pickled cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories per serving: 70
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
Fats
Fats: 3g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 1g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and Minerals: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K and potassium.
Alergens
Allergens: Soy (soy sauce)
Summary
These pickled cucumbers are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
Summary
Pickled cucumbers are a versatile and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. This easy recipe is a great way to add a pop of flavor to your dishes.
How did I get this recipe?
. The smell of the vinegar and spices, the crunch of the fresh cucumbers, and the tangy flavor that made my taste buds tingle - it was love at first bite.
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished helping my aunt harvest cucumbers from her garden. She handed me a small jar filled with what looked like ordinary cucumbers, but she assured me they were anything but ordinary. She told me they were pickled cucumbers, a family recipe that had been passed down for generations.
My aunt explained that the pickled cucumbers were a staple in our family gatherings, adding a refreshing touch to any meal. She showed me how to prepare them, from slicing the cucumbers to mixing the vinegar and spices. As the cucumbers sat in the brine, I could hardly wait to taste the final product.
The next day, we sampled the pickled cucumbers with a simple lunch of sandwiches and chips. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself. I begged my aunt to teach me the recipe, and she agreed with a smile.
Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. I experimented with different spices, adjusting the vinegar-to-water ratio, and even adding a pinch of sugar for a hint of sweetness. Each batch I made brought me closer to mastering the art of pickling cucumbers.
One summer, my grandmother came to visit and I excitedly shared my pickled cucumber recipe with her. She tasted them and nodded in approval, praising my skills in the kitchen. She told me that she, too, had a love for pickled cucumbers and shared with me how she had learned to make them.
My grandmother explained that she had first encountered pickled cucumbers when she was a young girl, living on a farm in the countryside. Her mother would harvest cucumbers from their garden and pickle them in large jars to preserve them for the winter months. My grandmother would watch in awe as her mother transformed simple cucumbers into a delicious and tangy treat.
As she grew older, my grandmother began to help her mother with the pickling process. She would slice the cucumbers, mix the brine, and carefully pack the jars. She learned the importance of using fresh ingredients, proper sterilization techniques, and patience when it came to pickling cucumbers.
My grandmother's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted memories of pickling cucumbers with her mother. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, each woman adding her own twist to make it her own. She encouraged me to continue perfecting the recipe, passing it down to future generations.
As the years passed, I continued to make pickled cucumbers for my family and friends. Each time I opened a jar and tasted the tangy goodness, I was reminded of the love and tradition that had been passed down to me. I shared the recipe with my own children, teaching them the art of pickling cucumbers and creating memories in the kitchen.
Now, as I stand in my kitchen, slicing cucumbers and mixing the brine, I am filled with a sense of pride and joy. The smell of vinegar and spices fills the air, bringing back memories of summers past and family gatherings. I know that with each jar of pickled cucumbers I make, I am carrying on a tradition that has been cherished for generations.
And as I take my first bite of the pickled cucumbers, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the women who came before me, passing down their love of cooking and tradition. I know that as long as there are cucumbers to pickle and mouths to feed, the recipe for pickled cucumbers will continue to be a cherished part of my family's culinary heritage.
Categories
| American Chinese Recipes | American Chinese Salads | American Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Hot Chile Oil Recipes | Red Rice Vinegar Recipes |