Easy Pickled Cucumbers Recipe: Ready in Just 1 Day! Perfect Summer Meal Prep

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Ingredients


A simple recipe for pickled cucumbers made with everyday pantry ingredients. Using small or thin cucumbers, this recipe requires no special spices and is ready to eat after pickling for just one day. The secret is to briefly blanch the cucumbers before pickling, which locks in their signature crunchy texture and refreshing tang. Perfect as a palate cleanser, appetizer, or sandwich topping, this recipe is an excellent way to use up a large harvest of cucumbers or young cucumbers thinned from home gardens.

  • ピクルス液

    酢・酒・水・砂糖・塩・赤唐辛子・粗挽き黒こしょうを合わせて火にかけ、砂糖と塩が完全に溶けたら火を止める。液は必ず冷ましてから使う。

  • 下準備(瓶の消毒)

    保存瓶は煮沸消毒するか、熱湯を回しかけて消毒し、清潔な状態にしてからきゅうりを入れる。

  • 下準備(きゅうりの切り方)

    きゅうりはピクルス用に食べやすい大きさ(スティック状や輪切りなど)に切る。瓶のサイズに合わせて長さを調整するとよい。

  • きじまのちょいコツ(下ゆで)

    切ったきゅうりに塩をふってもみ、沸騰したお湯でサッと(約30秒〜1分程度)下ゆでする。これにより余分な水分が抜け、ピクルス液がしっかり染み込み、かつポリポリ食感が保たれる。

  • 漬け込み

    下ゆでして水気を切ったきゅうりを瓶に詰め、冷ましたピクルス液を注ぐ。液がきゅうり全体にかぶるようにする。

  • 保存・食べ頃

    冷蔵庫で1日漬ければ食べ頃になる。さっぱりした酸味とポリポリ食感が楽しめる。

  • 活用法

    箸休め・おつまみとしてはもちろん、サンドイッチやサラダの付け合わせにもよく合う。

9 items

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  • 300gsmall or thin cucumbers
  • Salt(for prep) to taste
  • 100mlvinegar
  • 40mlsake
  • 40mlwater
  • 4tbsp sugar
  • 1tsp salt (for pickling liquid)
  • 1sliced red chili pepper
  • Apinch of coarsely ground black pepper
  1. 01

    [Make the pickling liquid] Combine 100ml vinegar, 40ml sake, 40ml water, 4 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 sliced red chili pepper, and a pinch of coarsely ground black pepper in a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  2. 02

    Once the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, turn off the heat and let the pickling liquid cool to room temperature.

  3. 03

    [Prepare the jar] Sterilize a glass jar by boiling it or rinsing it thoroughly with boiling water, then let it dry completely to keep it clean.

  4. 04

    [Cut the cucumbers] Cut the cucumbers into sticks or bite-sized pieces to fit your jar and preference.

  5. 05

    [Prep] Sprinkle the cut cucumbers with salt and rub gently to draw out excess moisture.

  6. 06

    [Blanching (Pro Tip)] Briefly plunge the cucumbers into boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then remove them immediately. This removes excess moisture, helps the pickling liquid absorb better, and keeps them incredibly crunchy.

  7. 07

    Transfer the blanched cucumbers to a strainer and drain the water thoroughly.

  8. 08

    [Pickle] Pack the cucumbers into the sterilized jar and pour the cooled pickling liquid over them until they are completely submerged.

  9. 09

    Close the lid and refrigerate to pickle for 1 day.

  10. 10

    After 1 day, once the flavors are fully absorbed, they are ready to eat. Enjoy them as a palate cleanser, an appetizer, or as a topping for sandwiches and salads.

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Why Blanch the Cucumbers?

Briefly blanching the cucumbers for 30 to 60 seconds is the secret to achieving the perfect crunchy texture. It draws out excess moisture, allowing the pickling liquid to penetrate deeply and quickly while keeping the cucumbers crisp.

How Long Do They Keep?

Stored in a clean, airtight sterilized jar in the refrigerator, these pickled cucumbers will keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks. Always use clean utensils to serve them to prevent spoilage.

Best Cucumbers to Use

Small, firm, and thin-skinned cucumbers work best for this recipe. If you are growing your own cucumbers, this is a fantastic way to use young, thinned cucumbers that are harvested early.

きじまごはん 【料理家きじまりゅうた公式チャンネル】

きじまごはん 【料理家きじまりゅうた公式チャンネル】

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