Name: Quick Pickled Cucumbers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Large Cucumber; ½ Cup Water; ½ Cup Unseasoned Rice Vinegar; 1 Tbsp Sugar; 1½ tsp Sea Salt; ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled and Smashed

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Introduction

Quick pickled cucumbers are a delightful way to add a tangy crunch to any meal. This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes and requires minimal ingredients, perfect for a fresh, flavorful snack or condiment.

A clear glass jar filled with layers of green cucumber slices showing white centers, small yellow mustard seeds scattered in between, and light green dill sprigs tucked inside, along with a few pieces of white garlic cloves visible near the bottom and middle layers; the jar is placed on a white marbled surface with a few whole cucumbers, more dill sprigs, and garlic cloves beside it, and an open silver jar lid resting nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large cucumber
½ cup water
½ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it thinly into rounds or spears according to your preference.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine water, rice vinegar, sugar, sea salt, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Bring it to a simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Place the sliced cucumber and smashed garlic cloves into a clean jar.
Step 5: Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and garlic, making sure they are fully submerged.
Step 6: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then seal it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use English cucumbers for a thinner skin and fewer seeds, which makes for a more tender pickle.
Add fresh dill or mustard seeds to the jar for additional flavor complexity.
For a milder pickle, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.

Storage

Store the pickled cucumbers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to one week. For best flavor and crunch, consume within the first few days. No reheating is needed—serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with several layers of thick, green cucumber slices stacked vertically, mixed with light brown mustard seeds and sprigs of fresh green dill scattered throughout. There are also a few white garlic cloves visible inside the jar, which is filled with clear pickling liquid showing small bubbles. In the background, a white marbled surface holds a half-cut cucumber, some cucumber slices, a bunch of fresh dill, a garlic clove, and a silver jar lid placed to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but note that the flavor will be slightly different. Rice vinegar offers a mild, slightly sweet taste that complements cucumbers well.

How long do quick pickles need to marinate?

While they can be enjoyed after about 30 minutes in the refrigerator, the flavors develop more fully after a few hours or overnight.