Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary cucumbers into a mouthwatering burst of sweet, sour, and aromatic flavors that will make your taste buds dance! These Sweet and Sour Asian Pickled Cucumbers are not just a recipe—they're a culinary adventure that takes just 10 minutes to prepare and delivers an incredible punch of authentic Asian cuisine right to your plate. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a refreshing and zesty accompaniment to your meal, this pickle recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumbers, sliced
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them thinly into uniform rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Add the sesame oil to the vinegar mixture and stir to incorporate, creating a smooth pickling liquid with a rich, aromatic base.
- Place the sliced cucumbers into the pickling liquid, ensuring they are completely submerged and evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed glass container, allowing the cucumbers to marinate in the refrigerator.
- Let the pickles rest and absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes, though letting them sit for 1-2 hours will develop a more intense taste.
- Before serving, gently stir the pickles to redistribute the pickling liquid and ensure even seasoning.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or condiment, garnishing with optional sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cucumber: For the best results, use crisp, fresh cucumbers like English or Persian varieties that have fewer seeds and maintain a great crunch.
- Slice Uniformly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to create thin, even slices. This ensures each piece absorbs the pickling liquid consistently.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: While you can eat these pickles after 30 minutes, letting them marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator will intensify the flavor profile.
- Customize Your Pickles: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat or experiment with different garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions.
- Storage Tip: These pickles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
